A campaign has been launched across Bath and North East Somerset as part of efforts to tackle a “worrying rise” in religious and faith-based hate crimes.
Across the UK there has been an increase in hate crimes against people because of their religious beliefs.
Nathan Hartley, Director of the B&NES Faith Foundation, said: “Religious or faith-based Hate Crimes have been increasing for the last 6 years.
“The 2010 Equality Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone because of religion or belief, or because of a lack of religion or belief.
“No one should have to suffer from Hate for their beliefs, every person has the right to believe in any faith or no faith.”
In response to the rise, the Bath & North East Somerset Faith Foundation is launching a new advice service that will provide help and support to those who have experienced abuse due to their religious beliefs, but need additional support when reporting it to the police and other authorities.
In 2022/2023, the Home Office’s Annual Hate Crime Statistics show there were 5,627 religious or other faith-based Hate Crimes across the UK.
From this figure, 45% of religious hate crimes recorded by the police were against Muslims. 22% were Anti-Semitic in nature; 9% were anti-Christian with 16% of offences being recorded as ‘unknown’.
Most incidents reported to police include verbal abuse, threatening behaviour, harassment and offensive language.
The police have recorded 50% of Hate Crimes as public order offences (for example, causing fear, alarm or distress) and a further third (36%) were for violence against the person offences.
Nathan continued: “Everyone and anyone should have the freedom to follow or subscribe to any religious tradition they like, or none at all!
“We hope our new support service will go a long way to help those who need that extra helping hand when reporting a Hate Crime to the police.”
The B&NES Faith Foundation is now providing support to victims of faith-based hate crimes across the district, both at the initial stage of reporting them to the police – through to securing a conviction in court against the offender.
For more details, residents can contact the Bath & North East Somerset Faith Foundation by emailing [email protected].
