Charity data shows rise in hate crime cases in Sussex

Friday, 14 October 2022 16:17

By Martyn Grenfell @martyngee

Data from national charity Victim Support has shown a rise in reported cases of hate crime across Sussex.

The data shows that 3,497 cases were reported in 2021/22, nearly four times higher than the 2020/21 figure of 912.

Hate crime based on sexual orientation has risen to 616, with gender identity crimes 4 times higher with 57 cases.

Published national hate crime figures show a 26% increase across the country, with 155,841 cases over the last year.

Victim support advised one case from Sussex saw the victim walking down the street when a stranger started shouting racist abuse, before attacking him with a knife. As well as the physical injuries, the trauma of what happened left him with PTSD and suffering panic attacks and nightmares.

Another case saw a woman being targeted by her neighbours, who started a campaign of racist abuse as soon as she moved in. For a year they ‘made her life hell’, breaking her fence to look into her garden and dumping rubbish and dog mess on her lawn.

The victims above are both being supported by the charity.

Tula Dyer, Hate Crime Manager at Victim Support in Sussex, said the increase in hate crime reports is "bittersweet".

“On the one hand, it’s encouraging to see that more victims are feeling empowered to come forward and report their experiences of hate in Sussex. It is essential that we continue to foster a safe and understanding environment, where victims of hate are able to reach out for support and seek justice if they so desire.

“On the other hand, the significant increase in cases reveals just how many people are negatively affected by hate across the region. Hate crime can have a seriously damaging emotional impact on its victims, shattering their self-worth and sense of safety.”

Victim Support provides free confidential support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - regardless of whether someone has reported the crime to the police, accessible via telephone or live chat. More details can be found on their website.

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