A new community led campaign carrying a clear and uncompromising message has launched in Inverness this week, stating there is no place for hate in the city.
The No Place for Hate campaign has been issued by the Operation Respect Partnership and is backed by a wide range of local organisations working together to challenge hate crime and discrimination.
Partners supporting the campaign include Police Scotland Highland and Islands Division, British Transport Police, Inverness Community Partnership, Inverness Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau, Highland Council, Inverness Business Improvement District, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, NHS Highland, Scottish Ambulance Service, and others.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of what constitutes hate crime, encourage reporting, and reassure people that support is available.
Inspector Paul Sutherland, based in Inverness, said everyone deserves to live without fear or discrimination.
“Everyone in our community has a right to live free from hate and discrimination.
“Being targeted because of age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or variations in sex characteristics is not just offensive, in some cases it can be a criminal offence.
“Too often, people feel isolated or unsure if what they’ve experienced qualifies as a hate crime but if something feels wrong, it’s always worth reporting, as we take all incidents seriously.
“Hate crimes can take many forms, including verbal abuse, name calling, assault, threats, online harassment, intimidation, vandalism, damage to property and much more.
“It divides communities and undermines the wider civic values we share.
“That’s why it’s so important we raise awareness about what hate crime is, how to report it, and that we make it absolutely clear that there is no place for hate in Inverness.”
City Leader Councillor Ian Brown said awareness is key to empowering people.
“Hate crime is not always easy to recognise but it should never be ignored.
“Raising awareness is essential if we want to empower people to speak up, take action and ensure that those affected know that support is available.
“Inverness overall is a welcoming and inclusive city, but we all have a part to play in standing up against discrimination or hate of any kind.”
Councillor Alasdair Christie, Leader of the Opposition and Chief Executive of Inverness Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau, highlighted the support available to those affected.
“Anyone who has experienced or witnessed a hate crime should know that they don’t have to face it alone.”
He said incidents can be reported directly to Police Scotland via 101 or 999, or through community based Hate Crime Reporting Centres.
“Our trained staff and volunteers can provide confidential advice and support, and can help those affected to report any incidents in a way that feels right for them.”
The campaign has also been strongly supported by local businesses.
The Chair of Inverness BID and owner of SafeKab and Inverness Taxis described the real impact hate incidents have on workers.
“We really value our diverse workforce, and we take our role in serving our community seriously.
“While most of our customers are fantastic, there is a minority who racially abuse some of our hardworking staff and such incidents are escalating.”
He said a zero tolerance approach is in place.
“We operate a zero tolerance policy and don’t hesitate to report or ban offenders but this shouldn’t be happening.
“The impact for those targeted, as well as for our wider team, is really distressing and we fully support this campaign and the message that hate of any kind has no place in our community.”
The Operation Respect Partnership says the campaign is about standing together, supporting those affected, and making it clear that hate will not be tolerated in Inverness.
