Ipswich Police are encouraging residents to understand their rights and speak up when they experience or witness hate-related behaviour, stressing that reports can help identify offenders, reveal emerging trends and keep the wider community safer.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio’s Crime Watch, Senior Constable Chantelle Dowell from the Ipswich District Crime Prevention Unit said everyone deserved to feel safe and respected in their community.
“Communities play an important role in supporting one another and standing against hate crimes,” she said.
Police are encouraging anyone who experiences or witnesses this type of conduct to report it.
What is a hate crime?
Senior Constable Dowell said a hate crime was a criminal act motivated by hate, prejudice or bias against an individual or group because of particular characteristics.
These offences can include abusive words or behaviour, physical assault or violence, property damage, harassment and online crime.
They can be motivated by prejudice relating to a person’s race, sexuality, sex characteristics, religion or gender identity.
Senior Constable Dowell said Ipswich Police remained committed to ensuring all members of the community were able to report hate-related offences and access support where required.
Reporting helps police respond
Police say information provided by the public can play an important role in identifying offenders and understanding whether particular types of hate-related incidents are emerging within the community.
“We encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses an incident motivated by hate to report it,” Senior Constable Dowell said.
There are several ways incidents can be reported.
In an emergency, residents should call Triple Zero — 000.
Non-urgent matters can be reported through Policelink on 131 444, while anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Residents can also attend their local police station in person.
Human rights support also available
Community members may also choose to contact the Queensland Human Rights Commission for information and support.
The Commission can be contacted on 1300 130 670, with further information also available online.
Senior Constable Dowell said the key message was that people should not feel they have to ignore or tolerate behaviour motivated by hate.
If an incident occurs, whether someone is directly targeted or witnesses it happening to somebody else, police are encouraging them to report it through the most appropriate channel.
The Ipswich District Crime Prevention Unit says strong reporting and community awareness are important parts of helping ensure everyone can feel safe and respected across the region.
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