Chatham-Kent Victim Services launched a new online tool to report acts of hate and discrimination.
The tool will serve as a central location, outside of law enforcement, for reporting incidents in the municipality.
“Hate has no home in Chatham-Kent, but we know hate and discrimination is happening in our communities,” Jason Brown, volunteer and community engagement co-ordinator, said.
“Ensuring people have the support they need is essential to healing and recovery. We are proud to be launching this tool so people can receive support. The data collected from the tool will help us continue building a welcoming, inclusive and diverse community and respond appropriately to hate and discrimination.”
The conversation on the need began in May 2022, following a meeting of the Chatham-Kent Local Immigration Partnership Anti-Racism Working Group.
Victim services consulted local groups and advocates on what they might like to see from such a tool.
It cited similar projects including the Sarnia-Lambton Alliance Against Hate and the Coalition of Muslim Women of Kitchener-Waterloo Hate and Discrimination Documentation and Reporting Service.
Incidents that can be reported include, but aren’t limited, to harassment, intimidation, threats, denial of services, witnessing or seeing vandalism aimed at them or the broader community because of their race, ethnic origin, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disabilities or other identities.
“We know that many people don’t report experiences motivated by hate or bias directed at them just because of who they are,” said Rebecca Haskell-Thomas, Chatham-Kent’s co-ordinator of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.
“Reporting to the police is still an option, but this new reporting tool gives people a different way to get support. And, the combined and anonymous information from the reports will help us see trends to better understand what is happening in the community and how we can work together to promote a safe and inclusive Chatham-Kent for everyone.”
Peter Sulman, project co-ordinator for Chatham-Kent Local Immigration Partnership, said the group is proud to be a part of the process of developing the tool.
“On behalf of all CK LIP partners, we hope this tool will aid in fostering a community where every individual feels safe and respected, and where community culture and connections thrive,” he said.
People can submit anonymous reports or provide contact information to access support from the team.
Volunteer crisis responders trained in trauma-informed care, as well as principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, along with professional crisis staff, will provide support.
To submit a report, visit ckvictimservices.com/report-hate.
People can also call 519-436-6630 and leave a message indicating that they wish to make a report.
They will receive a call back within three business days. All information provided to Chatham-Kent Victim Services is confidential unless a client consents for information to be shared with other community partners.
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