How Can We Help? - About Racism

North Wales Race Equality Network is in the unique position to be associated with the widest range of BME networks in North Wales. We also work with the majority of organisations that can be helpful to individuals who have BME related issues or problems.

You can contact us or you can use this website to link to all of the sources of help that we describe.

In this particular section you will find links to information on Racism including the definitions of Racial Discrimination and Racial Harassment and also to other Sources of Help that will be useful to you.

A racist incident is any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person

The experience of racism in North Wales has become part of the everyday experience for some black and minority ethnic people. Being made to feel different in a variety of social situations and locations is largely seen as routine and in some instances expected.

Discrimination and harassment based on race or religion is illegal. You do not have to tolerate racist or religious abuse.

 

What is a racist incident?

“….any incident that is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person”

(source Stephen Lawrence inquiry report: recommendation 16)

What is a religious incident?

“….any incident that is perceived to be motivated by religion or faith by the victim or any other person”

Examples of racist / religious incidents might include:

• racist graffiti and other written insults
• racist comments in the course of discussions
• refusal to co-operate with other people because of their ethnic origin
• derogatory name calling, insults, racist 'jokes' and language, making fun
• ridicule of an individual's cultural or religious differences, e.g. food, music, dress, language etc.
• Vandalism or damage to property motivated by racism.

The majority of racist/ religious incidents go unreported. This prevents effective action. We need to know the number, type and range of racist incidents in North Wales. This will show us where the problem areas are and help us to campaign for an improvement of services to deal with racist/ religious incidents. Please report all racist incidents, even those that may not seem serious, to help us in our work.

How can I report an incident?

If you have experienced or are aware of anyone who has experienced a racist/religious incident then let us know.

You can report an incident by using the on-line reporting form. You may report an incident whether you are a victim, witness, or third party who has become aware of an incident. You do not have to identify yourself, but if you want us to contact you it is essential that you leave a contact number or address. You can report an incident even if you do not have all of the information requested on the form, as any information that you can provide may be valuable.

What will happen next?

If you report an incident we record it only for statistical reasons. If you want help to take action, we can signpost you to sources of help. We will not give personal details about you to anyone, including the police or other organisations, without asking you first.  Where legal action is taken as a result of the incident you may be asked to give evidence.