Whilst South Gloucestershire experiences relatively low numbers of hate crime incidents, the partnership has decided to adopt a proactive approach in tackling local issues through this appointment.
Maria Lopresti has taken up the part time appointment and will coordinate and work with all the member agencies dedicated to combating hate crime, and will support them in introducing a number of initiatives to the district.
Maria said: “I am looking forward to working will all the PAHC agencies who work so tirelessly to raise awareness of, and tackle hate crime in South Gloucestershire. Victims can feel very alone, and we need to get the message across that help is available to people living or working in South Gloucestershire. We can put victims in touch with a dedicated outreach worker to support them, and a police officer who has specialist knowledge of this type of crime.”
Maria comes from a community role with the Community at Heart initiative in Bristol and the appointment has been made possible through GOSW (Government office of the South West) Safer and Stronger Communities funding.
John Kelly, community safety manager for Safer South Gloucestershire, said: “We welcome Maria to this new role, which will help raise awareness of hate crime among both young people and communities and improve the way in which the Partnership Against Hate Crime supports victims and tackles perpetrators.”
The PAHC intends to build on the significant progress it has made in encouraging the reporting of incidents – supporting victims and prosecuting perpetrators by developing a robust strategy and work programme.
Hate crime is an offence, committed against a person or property, that is perceived by the victim or any other person to have taken place because of their race, ethnic origin, nationality or national origins, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
Hate crime can come in many forms, including:
- Physical attacks, threat or attack, verbal abuse or insults
- Offensive leaflets or posters, abusive gestures
- Dumping rubbish outside the home or through the letterbox
- Bullying at home or in the workplace
If you have any queries about hate crime issues or community tension in your area, contact Maria by email at maria.lopresti@southglos.gov.uk or by telephone on 01454 868586.
ENDS