What is a racist incident?
" Any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person
" as defined in the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report 1999)
What is racial harassment?
Racial harassment is any unwanted conduct based on race that is intimidating, upsetting, embarrassing, humiliating or offensive, which affects your dignity.
This may include verbal abuse, physical abuse, racist graffiti, damage to property or possessions and arson, or attempted arson.
People can experience harassment because of their race, colour, religion, ethnic originor nationality.
Why report racist incidents?
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Racial harassment is a very serious matter - however, many people are reluctant to report racism.
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It is important that you do report racist behaviour because this will enable agencies to monitor where racist incidents are happening and take action.
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The Council will work with the Police and other agencies to do something about it.
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If you decide not to report, we will not know whether there is a problem.
How can I report a racist incident?
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If you are attacked, or witness a racially motivated attack, we advise that you contact Northumbria Police immediatly.
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If you are subjected to racist abuse and don't want to report it to the Police, you can visit one of the identified Reporting Centres where you can make a report and receive advise.
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The reporting centre staff will fill in a racist incident reporting form and ask for your consent to take your details. But if you wish to remain anonymous, you can.
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Let the Reporting Centre know if you wish to speak to a male or female interviewer, or whether you require an interpreter.
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If you would prefer not to speak to anyone, the Reporting Centres will also have a supply of self-reporting forms produced by Northumbria Police. Simply fill in the self-reporting form and post it off. You do not need a stamp.
What happens to the Reporting Form?
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All racist incidents will be taken seriously.
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The Reporting Centres will pass the form on to a Lead Officer for racist incidents.
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The Lead Officer will then make sure that the incident is investigated and recorded.
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You will be kept up-to-date with progress.
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Please remember - no action will be taken without your consent.
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Also remember - if you wish the racism to be reported, but want no action taken, this will help too.
Racist Incident Reporting Centres
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Address
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Telephone Number
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Gateshead Civic Centre
Regent Street
Gateshead
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0191 433 3000
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Bensham Grove Community Centre
Sidney Grove
Bensham Grove
Gateshead
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0191 477 2263
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Millennium House
207 Coatsworth Road
Bensham
Gateshead
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0191 477 7000
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Gateshead Leisure Centre
Alexander Road
Gateshead
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0191 478 6000
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Council Offices
Prince Consort Road
Gateshead
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0191 490 1616
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Felling Area Housing Office
Booth Street
Felling
Gateshead
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0191 469 5411
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Dunston Community Centre
Railway Street
Dunston
Gateshead
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0191 460 4270
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Dunston Activities Centre
Ellison Road
Dunston
Gateshead
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0191 460 5000
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Sunderland Road Library
Herbert Street
Sunderland Road
Gateshead
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0191 477 1841
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