Sylvia Lancaster backs our hate campaign
Mother of murdered Sophie Lancaster backs our hate crime campaign
" Nobody deserves to be the victim of a hate crime and I hope they become pioneers for taking this approach "
THE mother of Sophie Lancaster, who was murdered because she was a part of an “alternative sub-culture,” has backed a housing association’s campaign to stamp out hate crime.
Sophie, 20, was murdered in Stubbylee Park, Bacup, in 2007 as she tried to help her boyfriend after he had been set on by a gang of thugs for “dressing like a goth”.
And it’s hoped that Sylvia Lancaster’s powerful endorsement, part of Twin Valley Homes and Housing Pendle’s DVD designed to raise awareness around the subject of hate crime, will stop others suffering as Sophie did.
After discussions with Mrs Lancaster, both Twin Valley Homes and Housing Pendle are set to become leading lights in the fight against hate crime.
The Government doesn’t currently categorise attacks against people with a perceived difference or dress code under the six strands of hate crime.
But both housing associations are looking to add this seventh strand in recording and treating this type of hate crime in what can be seen as a ground-breaking initiative.
The DVD will be posted on various websites in the coming months and will also be shown to victims and perpetrators of hate crime to show them the impact of their actions.
And it’s Mrs Lancaster’s contribution that will make the biggest impact as she recounts the effect the murder of her daughter had on family and friends.
Mrs Lancaster said: “Sophie’s murder highlighted the fact that crimes against alternative sub-cultures weren’t treated as a hate crime.
“That’s why I’m delighted to back this campaign. Any awareness on this issue can only be a good thing and I’m delighted that Twin Valley Homes and Housing Pendle are adopting a policy to recognise attacks against people from alternative subcultures as a hate crime.
“Nobody deserves to be the victim of a hate crime and I hope they become pioneers for taking this approach.”
Phil Richards, Group Chief Executive of the Prospect Homes Group, which includes Twin Valley Homes and Housing Pendle, added: “As a company, we wish to raise the awareness of hate crimes so we can work together to try to remove them from society.
“We are indebted to Mrs Lancaster for assisting us to ensure what happened to her daughter never happens to anyone else.”
The DVD was produced in conjunction with the Racial Equality Council.
