Voicing the Impact of Hate and Discrimination
Last week, the Police and Crime Commissioner attended and spoke at the Voices of Victims of Hate and Discrimination Round Table Event, joining people from across Bath and North East Somerset to discuss the impact of hate and how agencies can respond.
“I want to thank SARI for hosting the event so we can hear about how vital their work is.
“Right now we’re seeing an increasing trend when it comes to hate crime, particularly in relation to race and religion.
“It’s really important in my role in terms of police scrutiny that I can listen to victims’ experiences in order to help inform the police response. I want to amplify the voice of victims, to bring about change for the better.” PCC Clare Moody
The event gave individuals the chance to share their lived experiences of hate and discrimination, aiming to influence how agencies respond.
Alex Raikes MBE DL, Chief Executive of SARI, said:
“I think events like these are some of the most important ones that we work on. What we really want from these events is for there to be real change in how agencies respond to people who’ve experienced hate and discrimination; that they are seen as more than statistics and that they are listened to and believed. I like to think we achieved that today.”
She added:
“Too often, people overlook the impact of hate, just seeing the statistics rather than the person. Hate isn’t just the act, it’s the aftermath. That is why it is so vital that agencies respond in a sensitive, trauma-informed way to try and minimise the devastation that hate and discrimination causes.”
Hosted by SARI and Partners
The event was organised by Stand Against Racism & Inequality (SARI), a local charity supporting victims of hate with expert casework across BANES and the wider Avon and Somerset area. It was held in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Council, Avon and Somerset Police, and Curo, showing a shared commitment to creating positive change.
Listening to Lived Experiences
Attendees shared their stories around a roundtable, giving key agency representatives the chance to hear directly from people affected. Discussions focused on:
- What worked well in supporting victims
- What could be improved
- Ideas for better responses in the future
The event also featured contributions from creatives reflecting on the current climate around hate and discrimination.