TIMMINS - A new reporting tool to report hate and discrimination is now available.
The online reporting tool is a partnership between the City of Timmins and the Timmins and District Victim Services. The city says it offers a safe space for people to report their experiences of hate and discrimination and allows the municipality to collect more data.
“Timmins and District Victim Services can provide emotional support, community resource information, and assist with filling a police report,” said Melissa Turcotte, Timmins and District Victim Services executive director, in a news release.
“Data on the types of hate and discrimination that are happening in our community is invaluable to ensure that we are offering the types of support needed, and have the capacity to offer assistance."
The incidents to report may include verbal abuse, intimidation, bullying, physical assault, online abuse, vandalism or destruction of property targeting an individual or group based on race, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, or ability. Reports can be done anonymously.
“The list of what is considered an act of hate or discrimination is extensive,” said Turcotte. “It’s important to note that an act of hate and discrimination does not need to target an individual. Community members who witness discriminatory messages or symbols painted on buildings, graffiti, vandalism, discriminatory posters or literature can also submit a report. This is an opportunity to take positive action against forms of hate and discrimination.”
One of the priorities in the city's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan is addressing shared safety and well-being, and gender-based violence.
The data from the tool will help the city work on prevention, which is the ultimate goal, said Meagan Baranyk, City of Timmins community programs manager.
“We will be able to address the underlying issues and help increase awareness and education about how hate and discrimination affect our community. Information about the types of incidents, the groups being targeted, and where the incidents are taking place will be shared anonymously with our community partners," she said.
To report an incident, visit timminsvictimservices.ca/
