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Racial Harassment

H&F Homes & the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham,

have a strong tradition of tackling racial harassment in all of its manifestations. We consider all forms of racially motivated incidents in our borough totally unacceptable and will endeavour to create a climate of non-tolerance of racial harassment within our local communities. Our commitment will be translated into the use of powers and resources to eliminate racial harassment, ensuring that all residents, irrespective of tenure, are free from the scourge of racism. Policies and practices have been developed to meet the needs of complainants whilst also taking the strongest action possible against perpetrators. In accordance with the Race Relations Act 1976, as amended in 2000, we will ensure that, through the use of this procedure, we promote good relations between persons of different racial groups.

Within the Anti-Social Behaviour policy,

all forms of racial harassment will be regarded as ‘Grade one’ cases, with staff responding urgently to any reported incidents. All complainants will receive a responsive, professional and sensitive service.  Our approach is complainant centred with emphasis being placed upon the wishes of the complainant, whilst also ensuring that all incidents are thoroughly investigated. Proposed actions in the form of support, referrals and potential action against perpetrators will be carried out in conjunction with the complainant.

2.2.2.3 In accordance with the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Race Relations Amendment Act 2000

we will ensure that we promote good relations between persons of different racial groups and in line Macpherson Report (1999) following the death of Stephen Lawrence, we are vigilant to racially motivated crimes and ensure that they are correctly classified, effectively and separately monitored and that perpetrators are subject to criminal proceedings wherever possible.

Further in line with the Macpherson report H&F Homes and LBHF define a racist incident to be:
"an incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person."

All racial harassment complaints will be investigated and managed by the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit within LBHF.

Victim-centred approach

H&F Homes will take a victim-centred approach to dealing with all cases of racial harassment. This means that:

  • The victim will be believed and taken seriously;
  • The victim will be treated sympathetically and with respect;
  • Interpretation and translation services will be arranged whenever necessary;
  • the victim will be given all possible advice, information and practical support to enhance his or her confidence, security and well-being, as part of the first stage of handling the case;
  • The victim's consent will be needed for any involvement of a third party agency or service;
  • The victim will be kept informed at all stages of the case, including proactive contact to explain any developments or delays, and the victim's consent will be needed for any action that might have repercussions for him/her;
  • The victim will be provided with alternative accommodation when this is necessary to protect him or her from serious risk;
  • H&F Homes will do everything possible to stop the harassment.