Suffolk Police have signed up to a campaign to tackle abuse of people with disabilities.
Mencap is encouraging police forces around the country to ensure officers are more aware of how they respond to people who report they have been verbally or physically abused.
The charity conducted research with Suffolk Police and 13 other forces before launching its Stand By Me campaign against disability hate crime.
The research showed the levels of disability hate crime were much higher than reported.
The figures showed that in 2009/10 there were 138 incidents and in 2010/11 106.
Earlier this year disability support charity Optua helped to close down a Facebook page which was based in Suffolk and appeared to be making fun of people with a learning disability or mental health issue.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Marshall, of Suffolk Police signed up to Mencap’s policing promise and said the force was committed to eradicating such crime, which he said could have a ‘devastating effect’ not only on victims, but also their families and the wider community.
“We want victims to have a voice. We want people to come forward to report hate incidents, so we can bring offenders to account for their actions. We will treat all victims with sensitivity and discretion,” he said.
James Powell, spokesman for Optua, which is a part of Suffolk Hate Crime Service steering group, said: “We are pleased to hear that Suffolk Police are signing up to this pledge.
“Disability hate crime has historically been under-reported so it’s important that we all work together to raise awareness and encourage people with learning disabilities to feel more confident about reporting hate crime.”
Mencap’s report has 22 recommendations as to how forces can improve their service, recommending a more accountable and joined-up approach to tackling disability hate crime. It also suggests specialist officers should focus on such crimes and training should be given to all officers to help them spot and tackle incidents.
Mark Goldring, Mencap chief executive, said: “It is estimated that as many as nine out of 10 people with a learning disability are verbally harassed or exposed to violence due to their disability.”
All reported hate incidents are thoroughly investigated by Suffolk Police, with people able to contact officers through the website, via 999 or Suffolk Hate Crime service on 01473 668966
Readers can visit www.mencap.org.uk or call 0300 333111.
Bury Free press
Monday, 4 July 2011
Support floods in for counter march against EDL (UK)
Support has come from all quarters for a celebration of unity in defiance of a right wing march in Cambridge.
A host of councillors, community leaders, musicians and local people have thrown their weight behind a city centre march and “celebration of unity and diversity”, organised by Unite Against Fascism, in opposition to the English Defence League’s plans to make their presence felt on Saturday, July 9.
Richard Howitt MEP, members of Cambridge Muslim Council, local Trade Unionists, Kevin Courtney – deputy general secretary of the NUT – and members of Cambridge Fans United have all added their names to a statement entitled “We Are Cambridge”.
Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum have also joined in.
A spokesman said: “We are proud of Cambridge's history of welcoming those who have had to flee persecution and intolerance from around the world.
“The Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum is committed against all forms of prejudice, intolerance and hate.”
A public meeting will be held tonight (July 4) in the Unitarian Church Hall, Emmanuel Street, from 7.30pm featuring speakers such as Lewis Herbert, leader of the Labour group on Cambridge City Council, who plans to reveal a statement signed by Labour and Green councillors opposing the EDL and supporting the peaceful counter protest.
Also speaking will be Mirza Baig, vice chair of Cambridge Muslim Council.
He recently told Unite Against Fascism members: “Thank you for raising your voice against messages of hate. You have our full support, and our committee will be participating in your demonstration.”
The counter march will take place on Saturday in Market Square from 11am.
Cambridge news
A host of councillors, community leaders, musicians and local people have thrown their weight behind a city centre march and “celebration of unity and diversity”, organised by Unite Against Fascism, in opposition to the English Defence League’s plans to make their presence felt on Saturday, July 9.
Richard Howitt MEP, members of Cambridge Muslim Council, local Trade Unionists, Kevin Courtney – deputy general secretary of the NUT – and members of Cambridge Fans United have all added their names to a statement entitled “We Are Cambridge”.
Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum have also joined in.
A spokesman said: “We are proud of Cambridge's history of welcoming those who have had to flee persecution and intolerance from around the world.
“The Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum is committed against all forms of prejudice, intolerance and hate.”
A public meeting will be held tonight (July 4) in the Unitarian Church Hall, Emmanuel Street, from 7.30pm featuring speakers such as Lewis Herbert, leader of the Labour group on Cambridge City Council, who plans to reveal a statement signed by Labour and Green councillors opposing the EDL and supporting the peaceful counter protest.
Also speaking will be Mirza Baig, vice chair of Cambridge Muslim Council.
He recently told Unite Against Fascism members: “Thank you for raising your voice against messages of hate. You have our full support, and our committee will be participating in your demonstration.”
The counter march will take place on Saturday in Market Square from 11am.
Cambridge news
Police investigate after claims EDL targeted MEP Sajjad Karim's house (UK)
Police are investigating claims by north west MEP Sajjad Karim that his house was targeted by far right wing activists.
Mr Karim says at least 40 members of the English Defence League gathered outside his family home at the weekend.
He was forced to delay his flight to attend parliamentary business in Strasbourg this week due to safety fears for his wife and two children, aged eight and 11.
He said: “There were at least 40 of them congregated and gesticulating for me to come outside.
“Thankfully the police arrived quickly but I'm not convinced they are taking this seriously enough.
“My primary concern is my family and I cannot leave them until I am satisfied they have the security they need. My children are petrified.”
It is not the first time Mr Karim, a Muslim, has asked police to investigate 'race hate' claims. The letters BNP were written on the pavement outside his home, in the Lancashire village of Simonstone, last year. He also reported a string of abusive emails from activists.
Mr Karim is the subject of several posts on the EDL Blackburn Division's facebook page.
A Lancashire Constabulary spokesman confirmed they had dealt with an incident. She said: “An investigation has been launched to establish whether any offences have been committed and by whom.”
Manchester evening news
Mr Karim says at least 40 members of the English Defence League gathered outside his family home at the weekend.
He was forced to delay his flight to attend parliamentary business in Strasbourg this week due to safety fears for his wife and two children, aged eight and 11.
He said: “There were at least 40 of them congregated and gesticulating for me to come outside.
“Thankfully the police arrived quickly but I'm not convinced they are taking this seriously enough.
“My primary concern is my family and I cannot leave them until I am satisfied they have the security they need. My children are petrified.”
It is not the first time Mr Karim, a Muslim, has asked police to investigate 'race hate' claims. The letters BNP were written on the pavement outside his home, in the Lancashire village of Simonstone, last year. He also reported a string of abusive emails from activists.
Mr Karim is the subject of several posts on the EDL Blackburn Division's facebook page.
A Lancashire Constabulary spokesman confirmed they had dealt with an incident. She said: “An investigation has been launched to establish whether any offences have been committed and by whom.”
Manchester evening news
BNP may face court action over unpaid printing bill (UK)
Calls have been made for the leader of the British National Party to step down in a row over a £16,000 debt to a North-East printing firm.
The BNP owes the money to the Newton Press, a community newspaper based in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, for the printing of posters and leaflets during the run-up to last year’s General Election and publication of the party’s Voice of Freedom newspaper.
The company’s owners are now so fed up of waiting for the debt to be paid, they have released emails exchanged between the company and party leader Nick Griffin.
On January 1, last year, Stuart Howarth, print sales manager of the Newton Press, sent an email to several members of the BNP which said: “Still nothing from any of you, unbelievable.”
Six months later, he received a reply from Mr Griffin, which said his party officials were working on the matter.
Mr Griffin, MEP for North- West England, wrote in his email: “In the meantime, please accept my most sincere apologies, both personally and organisationally, and assuance (sic) that you will get all your money as soon as possible.”
In August, payment had still not been received and the Newton Press instructed its solicitors to take legal action.
The last email from Mr Howarth, on June 30, this year, said: “Anybody paying this bill or do I have to take even more action than I already have?”
Andrew Brons, BNP MEP for North Yorkshire and Humberside, who is challenging Mr Griffin for the leadership, said: “It is wholly unacceptable that honest businessmen, who supplied their services in good faith, are treated in such an appaling manner.
“This reflects badly not just on the current chairman, under whose watch these abuses of trust have taken place, but on all of us. We are all smeared by association.”
Ken Booth, a BNP member in the North-East, said the debt was the national party’s and was nothing to do with the local members.
He said the situation was a disgrace and Mr Griffin should resign. “One of our main passions is local jobs for local people, yet the party can’t even pay a local printer. It makes a farce of our values.”
Clive Jefferson, BNP party treasurer, said: “We will be paying all our outstanding debts. I have a timeline for repayment worked out.
The Northern Echo
The BNP owes the money to the Newton Press, a community newspaper based in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, for the printing of posters and leaflets during the run-up to last year’s General Election and publication of the party’s Voice of Freedom newspaper.
The company’s owners are now so fed up of waiting for the debt to be paid, they have released emails exchanged between the company and party leader Nick Griffin.
On January 1, last year, Stuart Howarth, print sales manager of the Newton Press, sent an email to several members of the BNP which said: “Still nothing from any of you, unbelievable.”
Six months later, he received a reply from Mr Griffin, which said his party officials were working on the matter.
Mr Griffin, MEP for North- West England, wrote in his email: “In the meantime, please accept my most sincere apologies, both personally and organisationally, and assuance (sic) that you will get all your money as soon as possible.”
In August, payment had still not been received and the Newton Press instructed its solicitors to take legal action.
The last email from Mr Howarth, on June 30, this year, said: “Anybody paying this bill or do I have to take even more action than I already have?”
Andrew Brons, BNP MEP for North Yorkshire and Humberside, who is challenging Mr Griffin for the leadership, said: “It is wholly unacceptable that honest businessmen, who supplied their services in good faith, are treated in such an appaling manner.
“This reflects badly not just on the current chairman, under whose watch these abuses of trust have taken place, but on all of us. We are all smeared by association.”
Ken Booth, a BNP member in the North-East, said the debt was the national party’s and was nothing to do with the local members.
He said the situation was a disgrace and Mr Griffin should resign. “One of our main passions is local jobs for local people, yet the party can’t even pay a local printer. It makes a farce of our values.”
Clive Jefferson, BNP party treasurer, said: “We will be paying all our outstanding debts. I have a timeline for repayment worked out.
The Northern Echo
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