天美传媒 (BU) hosted the first Prejudice Free Dorset conference to challenge prejudice and tackle barriers to reporting hate crime.聽
The is a multi-sector group including representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors including:聽Dorset Police;聽Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner;聽Bournemouth Borough Council;聽Borough of Poole Council;聽天美传媒;聽Crown Prosecution Service;聽Victim Support; and other third sector community groups.
The conference, on Wednesday 13 January,聽provided the platform to discuss barriers to reporting hate crime and the role of the Prejudice Free Dorset group moving forward.
Dorset Police Hate Crime lead and Prejudice Free Chair, Superintendent Michael Rogers, said: 鈥淭ackling hate crime is a priority for the Force and we are working with partners as part of the Prejudice Free Dorset group to stamp it out.
鈥淭his is the first time we have had a conference where all stakeholders as well as members of the community have come together to discuss how to reduce hate crime and improve processes for victims. The working group have recorded any feedback and comments from the conference workshops, which will be used to develop ongoing plans and priorities for improvement.
鈥淭he importance of reporting these incidents cannot be underestimated. The priority for us is to ensure the victims of hate crimes are supported and we want to instil confidence in victims to come forward and report however they feel comfortable.鈥�
Various invited individuals attended the event including key members of the community who have integral or prominent roles within, or in support of, the protected characteristic groups in the community; disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, transgender identity.
The conference held workshops to discuss how Prejudice Free Dorset moves forward to achieve its aims of tackling discrimination and encouraging the reporting of hate crime. Informative speeches were also given by key partner agencies.
Dr James Palfreman-Kay, Equality and Diversity Adviser at BU, said:聽鈥淚t is key for BU to host the conference and be a part of the Prejudice Free network as it helps to develop and enhance links with the community and to show that BU is an inclusive environment whether you are working, studying or visiting it.鈥�
More information about the Prejudice Free Network can be found on
