RAHMAS

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The Forth Valley area in common with the majority of Scotland is a diverse, multi-ethnic and culturally rich community. The diverse nature of the local community is complemented further by visiting tourists, people of different nationalities attending our university and colleges or working in local hospitals and businesses.

The local minority ethnic population although diverse, is small in number in relative terms and dispersed throughout the area. This brings special challenges to ensure services provided meet the needs of people who are 'hard to reach’ and potentially more vulnerable as a result.

Everyone has the right to be treated with fairness and respect and to go about his/her daily life feeling safe and secure. Although statistics continue to show that Forth Valley is one of the safest and most peaceful areas in which to live, work and to visit, this is no consolation for someone who is the victim of verbal abuse or criminal attack. This is compounded if the attack is motivated by reason of a person's race, religion, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin. Such an attack on a person's identity can impact severely not only on the victim but also family and friends, as well as having a negative affect on the wider community.

In order to deal with such incidents, an effective and accessible reporting system must be in place. The victim must then be aware of the existence of the system and have the confidence to use it in the knowledge that any report will be dealt with appropriately and professionally.

To assist this process, the RAHMAS Steering Group was established in 1993 by a partnership of key local agencies, as well as members of the minority ethnic community, committed to tackling racist attacks and harassment through a victim centred approach.

Since that time the partnership has made significant progress. This has included the development of a system that allows each agency to report, record and monitor racist incidents, multi-agency case conferences designed to address repeat victimisation, and the safer business project, set up to reduce racist crime and the fear of crime at business premises.

Although much has been achieved, the partnership recognises that there are still challenges ahead. This Strategy, which has been developed through consultation and debate, will allow the partnership to meet those challenges and contribute towards a safer more equitable society.