lundi 1 juin 2015

What Can We Do To Stop Hate Crimes Now

By Ericka Marsh


Too many news stories exist concerning the latest crimes of hate, and the public outcry rises with each additional story. These crimes of passion, rooted in deep belief systems, present difficult issues to address, let alone remove. What can we do to stop hate crimes may be easier than you think. Here are some ideas to help get started.

Take action. The first step is to start talking with your friends and neighbors and coworkers about this subject and impress on them that the people in the community must stand up and bring an end to these horrors. Create a page or group on social media that includes a public calendar feature so everyone can log in and find out what is scheduled. Establish a weekly meeting to keep people involved and excited about doing their part to end these crimes.

Do some homework before you get out in the field. If addressing a recent crime of hate, find out all the facts and check the public records for additional information. Sometimes courts seal criminal records. Do not let this stop you. Try to find common facts that help in planning your future events.

Take other members with you, so they present a united front when speaking with people of authority. Remind them that your group is more than just watching the neighborhood. It intends to provide real help in addressing these horrid crimes and show them your calendar to prove the determination of your group.

The best way to prevent future occurrences of crime is to offer a means of keeping people occupied with something more constructive and challenging. Create some alternative activities where people of all ages gather and have fun. Speak with people of other neighborhoods about forming teams for everything from crocheting and art competition to soccer. Remember your age groups and plan for the long range follow up. People who have something to enjoy look forward to it, and seldom have time or inclination to commit crimes.

Never be afraid to speak up and be heard. Your determination is required to make sure the public knows you and your group are there to stay. Teach tolerance and understanding but be firm in your convictions. Hate crimes do not go away without a concerted effort. Begin by educating the children who are still young enough to embrace the common sense approach to life and its lessons.

By all means, set up a strong victim support network. These people need emotional support, legal support, and most often medical support. Lobby your leaders to take stronger action against these crimes and continue to dig deeper and more thoroughly than ever to find the answers everyone needs. Victims need support, not ridicule. Personally interview the department heads at your local facilities who work with victims of all types of abuse.

Bullies do not always commit hate crimes. Sometimes they start out with a simple difference of opinion and escalate into a full-blown confrontation. The root of the problem lies in belief systems taught at home. Enlightenment is the answer, and that includes presentations designed to get the point across that law abiding citizens will no longer tolerate this type of violence.




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