A new film has been unveiled which sees local sports teams delivering personal messages of support for Leicestershire’s fight against hate crime.
The Stamp It Out video has been funded by Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach as part of a campaign encouraging young victims of hate incidents to report their experiences to police and get emotional support.
The film premiered on the eve of National Hate Crime Awareness Week (NHCAW) - as students from secondary schools across the City and County gathered to discuss hate crime issues affecting young people.
The brainchild of Leicestershire Police’s Hate Crime Officer, Darren Goddard, the film featured a host of sports personalities including the Dolly Rockit Rollers, Leicestershire County Cricket Club, Leicester City Womens Football Club and Leicester Riders.
Willy Bach said: “Too many hate crime victims suffer in silence, worrying nobody will believe or take seriously their experiences. We’re working very hard to change this and build trust in system.
“What better way to encourage young victims to seek justice and support than for their sporting heroes to deliver the message that contacting the police is the right thing to do.
“Leicestershire is a fabulously diverse county and it’s up to all of us to stand united against bigotry and intolerance and nurture communities where everyone can truly be themselves free of fear, judgement and persecution.
“I’m very grateful for the contribution of those sports clubs involved in the production of this short film. Good role models inspire young people to change and make a difference to their own lives and those of others and can reach the younger generation in a powerful way.”
The film sees sports competitors talking about hate incidents to camera, how to report hate incidents and the need for communities to stand together and fight hatred and intolerance in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
The videos will be uploaded across a variety of social media platforms to boost awareness of the issue and signpost victims to help and support as part of long-term anti-hate campaign.
Darren Goddard, Hate Crime Officer, said: “We are really pleased that the Dolly Rockit Rollers, Leicestershire County Cricket Club, Leicester City Womens Football Club, and Leicester Riders were able to support this new video message which has been funded by Lord Bach and his office.
“Telling someone that you are being targeted because of who you are is the first step in tackling hate incidents and hate crimes, if we don’t know about it we cannot work together as a team with our partners to support the victim and hold those responsible to account for their actions.
“Just like in sport, working as a team we can make a huge difference. This week is National Hate Crime Awareness Week and communities are standing together to send a clear message that there this no place for hate incidents and hate crimes in our society. “
In 2015/16 the UK Youth Parliament voted to launch a national campaign tackling racism and religious discrimination under the banner of Don’t Hate Educate.
The campaign aimed to challenge negative attitudes around race and religion, work with others to educate communities to tackle ignorance and actively promote integration in communities.
The Youth Parliament members for Leicester City and Leicestershire, and members of the Leicester City and Leicestershire Youth Councils wanted to extend the aims to incorporate all categories of hate crime and send a clear message that there is no place for hate in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
A number of events were held across the county which culminated in a hate crime symposium at the City Hall.
The Youth Council was keen the work continued under the theme Social Courage which encourages everyone to have the social courage to stand against hate and make a difference through simple acts of kindness.
The Stamp It Out video can be accessed at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMx-vrLCrU4
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Media Enquiries: Sallie Blair - 01283 821012 / 07702 541401
Posted on Thursday 19th October 2017