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Thursday, July 24, 2008
Hate Crime Prevention Program
The Hate Crime Prevention Project is working to help eliminate hate crimes and activities in Hamilton that are rooted in discrimination on the basis of race, religion, ethnic origin, gender, family status, nationality, language, sexual orientation or disability. The primary focus of the project is the immigrant, refugee, visible and ethno-racial minority communities.
With a deep understanding of the effect hate crimes and hate/bias activities have on the immigrant, the refugee and the visible minority communities, SISO in collaboration with The Community Coalition for Immigrant, Refugee and Visible Minorities initiated a project that addresses the issue of hate crimes and their impact on the victims. The project has aimed at creating better understanding of hate crimes in immigrant communities at large, and specifically the ones that established over the last 15 years in Hamilton, through recognition, identification, reporting of hate crimes and activities as and when they occur.
The purpose of the project is to establish and develop sustainable, long-term, community-based resources and expertise, to increase community awareness about hate crimes, to report and prevent through education and empowerment, and to support victims in the Hamilton area. The project also aims to develop and deliver educational campaigns to dispelling stereotypes, reducing hostility, broadening intercultural exchange, facilitating forums that allow for open discussions and create working relations between community leaders, educators, law enforcement officers, police, policy makers and public service providers.
The program is working to provide education and training to police officers so that they are more aware of the issues facing immigrant, refugee and visible minority communities. The staff is also available to come to schools, businesses, labour unions and community agencies to talk about hate crimes, how to reduce them, and how to respond when they occur.
The Hate Crime Prevention Program provides:
- linguistically and culturally appropriate counselling support in a confidential setting
- referrals to community organizations who can provide additional support
- assistance in reporting to the police and /or support through the judicial process
- early intervention and support in crisis situation
- support in a group setting through support groups and circles
If you are interested in learning more about hate crimes, hate/bias activities, racial harassment and bullying, victim support resources in the community; schedule a training session for your organization; or hosting an information session with your community group, please contact SISO at info@hatecrimes.ca
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