Fund announced to protect places of worship from hate crime
The Scottish Government has announced a new £500,000 fund to be made available to protect places of worship from hate crime.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf and Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell announced the new scheme when they visited Garnethill Synagogue in Glasgow this morning.
The fund will be launched later this year and will be open to all places of worship in Scotland. It will provide funding towards the cost of installing increased security measures to protect them against hate crime.
Any criminal offence can be a religious hate incident, if the offender has targeted someone or a group of people because of their prejudice or hostility based upon religion. Hate crime can take many forms including verbal and physical abuse, bullying, threatening behaviour, online abuse, and damage to property.
Victim Support Scotland welcomes any initiative that tackles hate crime in the community.
If you have experienced or witnessed a hate crime or incident, find out more about how Victim Support Scotland can support you on our hate crime page.
Read the announcement in full here.
Latest news and blogs
-
We’re here – support over the festive period
We know that the festive period can be difficult for people impacted by crime - that's why we'll remain open right through Christmas and New Year.
Read more
-
A Victim-Centred Approach to Justice in Scotland: Scoping and Modelling Project
This project, commissioned by Victim Support Scotland, sought to explore how a more victim-centred approach could be realised in Scotland's criminal justice system.
Read more
-
Concern over impact of new early prisoner release bill as Scotland’s crime stats revealed
Victim Support Scotland has expressed concerns about the impact of the Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Bill, which was passed by MSPs yesterday, in light of new crime statistics revealed by the Scottish Government.
Read more
-
Victim Support Scotland voices concerns about Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Bill
Victim Support Scotland has voiced concerns about the Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Bill.
Read more
-
Media Reporting on Child Homicide – Victim Support Scotland Consultation Response
Victim Support Scotland's response to the Scottish Government consultation on Media Reporting on Child Homicide.
Read more
-
Highlighting the role of Trustees at VSS
We sat down with Gillian Imery, one of our trustees, to chat about the role she plays, why she decided to get involved with VSS, and how her skills and experience enrich our charity.
Read more
-
Statement on Homicide in Scotland figures
Victim Support Scotland has released a statement in response to the Homicide in Scotland figures released by the Scottish Government.
Read more
-
Statement on Police Scotland rape statistics
Victim Support Scotland has released a statement on the figures released by Police Scotland which show an increase in the number of rape cases reported within the last 6 months, alongside the launch of the latest 'That Guy' campaign.
Read more
-
Victims of hate crime need to have their voices heard
This article by our Chief Executive Kate Wallace argues why more must be done to support victims of hate crime.
Read more
-
Statement on Scottish Government’s plans for Victim Notification Scheme reform.
Victim Support Scotland has released a statement on the Scottish Government's plans for reform of the Victim Notification Scheme.
Read more
-
Statement on Scottish Government plans for long-term prisoner release
Victim Support Scotland has released a statement on the Scottish Government's plans for long-term prisoner release.
Read more
-
Experiencing Hate Crime – Helena’s* story
When Helena’s* partner became disabled as a result of a severe stroke, they began to experience a series of hate crimes perpetrated against them by a neighbour. VSS supported her during the court process, towards the end of her ordeal. This is her story.
Read more
