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What is a Racist Incident?
The definition of a racist
incident is: ‘one that is perceived to be racist by the
victim or any other person’. So even if you weren’t the
victim, if you thought it was a racist incident you can
report it.
Racist incidents can
take place anywhere: in the street; in your home; in work or in a
shop and they can happen to anyone whatever their race or ethnic
origin. The following case studies are all actual examples of racist
incidents.
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A young
Asian family, had lived in a council property for the last
four years. Over that time they had suffered harassment – from
verbal racist abuse to excrement smeared on the property… (read
more)
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A Bangladeshi shopkeeper
was having problems with youths coming into her Newsagents on a
regular basis, stealing and making racist remarks…(read
more)
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An Indian man
had worked in a factory in North Wales for several years. During
the time he was there he suffered racist abuse from fellow
workers, which became worse after September 11th…(read
more)
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A man of Gypsy
origin took his baby daughter who had been ill to the local
doctors surgery and was refused treatment…(read
more)
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Are All Racist Incidents Crimes?
Most racist incidents can
be prosecuted by the Police – assaults, physical attacks,
harassment and verbal abuse are all criminal offences that can
be prosecuted through the courts.
Some racist incidents may not be crimes such as incidents that
happen in work (although they may include a crime, such as
assault) or receiving poor service from a shop. However, there
is still action you can take and you should still report these
incidents.
Racist Incidents in Work
If you experience a racist incident in work, such as a colleague
using racist language you can take action under the Race
Relations Act. In some cases you may wish to inform the Police,
but even if you don’t you may be able to take your case to an
Employment Tribunal within 3 months of the incident. A tribunal
will consider whether the incident was ‘less favourable
treatment’ because of your race, colour, ethnicity, nationality
or national or ethnic origins and may award you compensation if
you are successful. For more information on racist incidents in
work please contact the Racial Equality Council on 01244 400730
or email us on
chawrec@btconnect.com
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