NO Place for HATE Campaign

Issued by Operation Respect Partnership

A new community and partnership initiative has launched this week in Inverness with a clear message: there is no place for hate in our community.

The campaign is supported by Operation Respect partners including 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 (BID), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, NHS Highland, Scottish Ambulance Service, and others.

Inspector Paul Sutherland based in Inverness, said: 

“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 also 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:

“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 added:

“Anyone who has experienced or witnessed a hate crime should know that they don’t have to face it alone. Reports can be made directly to Police Scotland via 101 or 999, or there is an option to also use a designated community Hate Crime Reporting Centre.

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.”.

Chair of Inverness BID and Owner of SafeKab and Inverness Taxis noted the very real impact hate crimes can have:

“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.   

“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.”.