NHS Forth Valley is an active member of the MAHRS (Multi-Agency Hate Response Strategy) Partnership which encourages victims of incidents aggravated by hatred to come forward to report any intimidation, harassment or physical assault because of prejudice relating to race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity.
Although levels of hate incidents within Central Scotland have increased in recent years, analysis has shown that both improved reporting procedures and increased confidence amongst victims as being largely responsible for the rise.
The MAHRS (Multi-Agency Hate Response Strategy) aims to promote confidence in reporting of hate incidents and assure the public that there is co-ordinated action to deal with incidents and a high level of victim care.
MAHRS (Multi-Agency Hate Response Strategy) brings together: Police Scoland, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling local authorities, NHS Forth Valley, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Victim Support, Central Scotland Regional Equality Council, University of Stirling; and, Forth Valley College.
Lynn Waddell, Equality and Diversity Manager represents NHS Forth Valley on the MAHRS steering group, said: “There is a long history in Central Scotland of partners and communities working well together to address the issue of crime motivated by intolerance, prejudice and hatred.
“Hate incidents can take many forms including verbal or physical abuse, threatening or abusive behaviour, and damage to property or graffiti. We will help and support anyone who becomes the victim of hate crime. We want to make sure everyone in Central Scotland knows what a hate crime is and helps puts a stop to it.
“Those who think it is acceptable to target another person or group because of homophobia, transphobia, religious bigotry, racism or disability related prejudice need to realise that this behaviour has no place within our communities and will not be tolerated in NHS Forth Valley. We we will do all we can to help bring them to justice.”
“Anyone who believes they have been a victim or a witness of an incident motivated by hate can have confidence in reporting it to any member of NHS Forth Valley staff and of receiving a professional service. The welfare of any victim is treated with a high priority and the joint approach ensures the right level of response is given by all partners to this very serious issue.”
If you have any concerns please talk to a member of staff.
Hate Incident Reporting and Support in Forth Valley
Hate incidences and hate crimes come in many different forms. It can be because of hatred on the grounds of peoples disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity .
Hate incidences in any form is wrong. That is why it is important that if a hate incident happens to you or someone you know, that you report it.
At recent events held with young people they identified that they wanted short, sharp information that can be used to make them aware of:
- What a hate crime is,
- How to report it if they experience it themselves or witness it
- Information on Internet Safety.
The following has been developed by the Police Scotland – Forth Division’s Equality Officer with support from NHS Forth Valley to inform people of all ages and backgrounds about actions to take.
These resources have been designed to offer support and advice on hate related incidences.
By reporting hate incident or crime when it happens, you can help stop it happening to someone else.
You will also help the police to better understand the level of hate incidences in your local area, and improve the way they respond to it.
No Bystanders
A Forth Valley partnership approach has pledged to work with See Me (www.seemescotland.org) which aims to eliminate any stigma and discrimination associated with mental health issues.
Our vision is to end mental health stigma and discrimination, enabling people who experience mental health problems to live fulfilled lives.
With partners we have agreed to bring together the ‘See Me’ and ‘No Bystanders’ Campaign developed by Stonewall to address the damaging effect and impact that discrimination and negative language can have on people’s mental health and well being
