This article appeared in Homes & People Summer 2010

Hate crime should not happen but it does.  Nobody should suffer because of who they are and nobody should put up with it.  ARCH is a group of organisations, including YHN, that work together to support the victims of hate crime and take action against the people that are responsible for hate crime.

What is hate crime?

If you, your family or friends are having problems because of your race or skin colour, this is racism. If you, your family or friends are having problems because of your sexuality, this is homophobia.  These are hate crimes.  Some of these problems, such as verbal abuse and threats, are obvious. Other problems, such as damage to your property, bullying or rude gestures, are harder to identify.  If you believe you have experienced a racist or homophobic incident you should report it to ARCH.

ARCH

By reporting an incident to ARCH, you can get help from a range of organisations, including YHN, the police, Victim Support and Mesmac.  You can report an incident even if you have no proof and you do not have to give your name if you do not want to.  You can report something that has happened to you, to someone else or about something you have seen.

You can make a report to ARCH at any YHN community housing office or by phoning 0800 032 3288.

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