Trust takes a stand against hate incidents and abuse
National Hate Crime Awareness Week takes place during 9 to 16 October and the Trust is sending out a clear message to those who abuse its staff, visitors, carers and service users that there is no place for hate as we launch our ‘No Excuse for Abuse’ hate incident/crime campaign.
A hate incident is any incident which the victim, or anyone else, believes is based on someone’s hostility or prejudice towards them because of their gender, mental health, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age, disability or gender identity whether real or perceived.
Hate incidents are significantly underreported across society and it is no different for the Trust. Staff have reported, through the Trust’s BME Staff Network and NHS National Staff Survey (2020), that the most common form of hate incident is racism and is one of the many reasons why we are addressing this important issue. The impact this has on our staff and those who use our services is often profound.
The Trust recognises that identifying and challenging racism can be difficult and has rolled out training workshops for all of its staff, giving them the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and confidence to take personal action and not stand by when they see people experiencing racism at work.
Anne-Maria Newham MBE, Executive Director of Nursing, AHPs and Quality and Board Champion for Hate Incident, said “As a Trust we take hate incidents and hate crimes very seriously and we are committed to ensuring that all our staff feel supported if they experience a hate incident or hate crime or feel able to report it if they see it happening. Hate incidents are unacceptable in any organisation and we need to do all we can to address it when it happens.
“We will not tolerate any form of abuse, harassment or violence against staff, visitors, carers and those who use or services, whether verbal, threatening or physical.
“Remarks or behaviour based on someone’s gender, mental health, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age, disability or gender identity will not be tolerated.”
The campaign also focuses on encouraging our staff, patients, visitors and carers to ‘See, Report, Support,’ and to speak up and report any hate incidents if they see it happening and for staff to support those who experience it.
We’re also sharing Natasha’s story, who experienced a hate incident when she started working at the Trust. She talks about how she felt too afraid to speak up as a new member of staff but felt empowered, valued and protected after her manager challenged the person. You can read Natasha’s story here on the Trust’s blog: https://bit.ly/3j3iOxV
If you have seen or been a victim of hate incident or hate crime you can report incidents to Nottinghamshire Police by calling 101 or dialling 999 in an emergency.
We also have a dedicated Hate Incidents/Hate Crimes page where you can read some of our staff messages on why hate incidents/crime should not be tolerated.
