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Better support for victims of racism in Sunderland
Victims of racist incidents in Sunderland are getting better support than ever before.
The help has come from Sunderland Arch – the city's pioneering racism reporting system.
The scheme, which this month celebrates its first anniversary, supports victims of racist incidents and ensure action is taken against perpetrators.
Through increased reporting its ultimate aim is to help tackle the causes of racist crime.
Victims and witnesses of racist incidents can report them 24 hours a day by either calling a freephone number, 0800 778 378, or by visiting one of the organisations which are partners in the scheme.
Canon Stephen Taylor, chairman of the Sunderland Partnership, says it is already proving to be a success.
He said: "Since the launch of Sunderland Arch 12 months ago we have seen an increase in the reporting of racist incidents, which is one of the aims of the system.
"If we know about an incident it means we cannot only provide support to the victim and take action against the perpetrators, but we can build up a better picture across the city and take action to tackle the causes.
"We have also increased the number of partners involved in the scheme from eight to 13, with more coming on board soon. This means that victims are getting better support than ever before.
"Plans are also in the pipeline to widen the scope of Arch over the coming year by involving schools in the programme and in the longer term including the facility for victims to report a range of other hate incidents, for example, homophobic incidents."
The partners involved in the Arch project range from large public bodies such as Sunderland Council, Sunderland University and gentoo through to voluntary organisations such as Victim Support and the North of England Refugee Service.
Trained staff are on hand at all venues to offer anyone reporting an incident a range of support and advice.
The Arch system is confidential and the person reporting the incident decides who their information is passed to.
Arch, supported by the Sunderland Partnership, is an innovative and nationally regarded system designed for reporting, recording and monitoring racist incidents.
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Weather for Sunderland
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Heavy sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
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