Race hate crime concern in survey

Some Muslim respondents said they felt their religion triggered incidents

Racist incidents and race hate crimes are a concern for a sample of black and ethnic minority people in Cardiff, an anti-racism charity has found.

More than half of those questioned by Race Equality First had experienced a racist incident and over two-thirds had experienced incidents more than once.

The survey of 157 people found that more than 70% did not report the crime.

The deputy leader of Cardiff council said she was disappointed that race hate crime was present in the city.

The survey found that in the majority of cases victims of racist incidents had experienced verbal harassment, insults and victimisation.

Most people also had the experience in their local area or near their home.

The areas of Cardiff that were identified as having the most occurrences of racist incidents and race hate crime were the city centre, Roath and Cathays.

Key findings 59.2% experienced a racist incident or race hate crime during their lifetime 80% have experienced a racist incident or hate crime more than once 73.1% did not report the incident In the majority of cases (31.2%)the perpetrator was a stranger The age groups least likely to report racist incidents and race hate crimes were the under 16 age group 38.9% of victims who reported the crime to the police said the response was terrible. 22% said it was good 24.5% of victims said they would avoid particular areas of Cardiff Source: Race Hate Crime in Cardiff 2009

The survey also found that Islamophobia had contributed to the experiences of the sample with a significant number of respondents saying they felt the trigger of the incident was due to them being Muslim.

The main perpetrators of racist incidents and race hate crimes tended to be of White Welsh or White British ethnicity and also a stranger to the victim, the survey found.

The survey's results indicated that older age groups were more likely to report their experiences of racism.

However, those that did not said they felt nothing would be done if they did report it. They were also fearful of reprisals and had become accustomed to racism, the survey found.

Race Equality First said the police response to reports of racism appeared to be "inconsistent" and said it may need to be reviewed.

The charity also called for the police to pass on more information to the victims if perpetrators were prosecuted.

As a result of the survey, Race Equality First made recommendations including awareness-raising campaigns on how a racist incident can be reported.

The vast majority of people within Cardiff are proud of the diversity that exists within the city Councillor Judith Woodman

The charity also called for better training for police so they can better identify and deal with racist incidents and broader education about racism in schools and at work.

Councillor Judith Woodman, deputy leader of Cardiff council, said the evidence gathered would be used to try to eradicate race hate crime in the city.

"We are determined that people should have the confidence to report crimes to the police knowing that they will be taken seriously, that the crime will be effectively investigated, and that the victim's privacy and dignity will always be respected," she said.

"I am sure that the vast majority of people within Cardiff are proud of the diversity that exists within the city, but acknowledge that a small minority still hold racist views and attitudes which result in race hate crimes."

Mohammed Tufail, director of Race Equality First, said the best way to respond to the survey's findings was through multi-agency working, backed up by resources, to assure victims that if they report an incident it will be recorded and investigated.

"I believe that given Cardiff's great tradition and history of many different communities living together and working side by side we can work jointly to meet this challenge and defeat the evil of racism, prejudice and hatred," he said.

The research was funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, the New Ideas Fund and the Department for Social Justice.