Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ's
What is ARCH?
ARCH is a network of organisations working together to combat racist incidents in Sunderland. Victims or witnesses of racist incidents can report an incident to any of the partner organisations or call the free telephone number 08000778378.
Victims can also decide if they want to be referred for support and if they want action can be taken against the suspect. ARCH uses a web-based system to record and monitor racist incidents. The systems makes it easy for the organisations that are involved with a particular case to have an easy way to keep in touch and be updated.
What is a racist incident?
All organisations that form Sunderland ARCH partnership use the definition of a racist incident as "Any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person". This definition comes from one of the recommendations of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry report also known as the MacPherson Report.
A racist incident can take many forms. It may be physical violence or threatening behaviour; attacks on property or arson; verbal racist abuse, racist graffiti, malicious communications or threatening phone calls. Some forms of racist incidents are obvious other may be harder to identify. Sunderland ARCH makes sure that every person providing details of an incident is taken seriously.
Why is it important to report racist incidents?
It is really important to report racist incidents. Reporting means that a victim can get advice and support from relevant organisations. It also means that organisations that are ARCH partners can take action against perpetrators to try and stop the incident happening again or happening to other people. If no one knows that incidents are occurring then it means that organisations do not know what or where there are problems. If people provided details of incidents to ARCH then more resources can be provided for the particular areas or at particular times of the day when a high number of racist incidents occur. For example, anti-racism work in schools or more police patrols could be provided.
How do I report a racist incident to ARCH?
There are two ways you can report an incident to ARCH.
- You can call the free telephone number 08000 778 378.
This will be answered 24 hours a day and you can ask for an interpreter if you need one.
These are any of the Council's Customer Services Centres; City of Sunderland College; University of Sunderland; any Police Station; any Gentoo Housing Office; North of England Refugee Service; Young Asian Voices; Victim Support; Safe Partnership Limited; Sunderland Bangladeshi Community Centre; Home Housing and Sunderland Royal Hospital. All the agencies in the partnership can take details of racist incidents and help you get some support if you want some.
What if I don't want to give my personal details to ARCH?
You don't need to give your personal details to ARCH so you can stay anonymous. It is up to you how many details you give to ARCH but if you want some support from the partner organisations, then you will need to give some contact details so that the organisation, which you would like to provide support to you, can contact you. All details given to ARCH stay confidential and will only be given to an organisation if you say that you agree for the details to be passed on.
What if I change my mind later and I do want some support?
When you report an incident to ARCH you will be given a unique reference number. If you decide that you want some support you can either ring the free telephone number or visit a reporting centre and give them the reference number. The person who you are speaking to will then ask you which organisation you would like some support from.You can choose more than one organisation. The person you are speaking to will also ask you how you would like to be contacted, for example by phone, text, email or letter. A person from the organisation you want help from will contact you in that way.
What if I see a racist incident in the street and I don't know the people involved?
If you witness a racist incident you can report it to Sunderland ARCH even if you don't know the people involved. You could contact ARCH and give as many details about the incident as possible. This means that the incident will be included in reports about the number of racist incidents in Sunderland and this could mean that more resources are given to particular areas.
Do I have to tell the police about the incident?
When you report an incident to ARCH you will be asked if you would like the incident to be referred to the police. You do not have to refer the incident to the police. If you do want the incident referred to the police there are 2 options.
The first is for information only - this means the police would not be sent any of your personal details, but they would be sent details of the date, time and place of the incident. The second option is for full investigation - this means that the police will be given all the information that you have given to Sunderland ARCH and they will contact you so they can arrange to take a statement from you and begin their investigations.
Who will see the information that I tell ARCH?
It is up to the victim to decide which organisations will see their information. If the victim wants some support or some action taken against a suspect then personal details will be sent to the organisations that the victim wants help from. If they do not want any support from other organisations or no action taken against a suspect, then the personal details given will not be passed on.
How can I find out what is happening to an incident I reported?
When you report an incident to ARCH you will be given a unique reference number. If you give this number when you contact Sunderland ARCH again, either by phone or if you come to the reporting centre, they will be able to find your incident on the system and look at the case file page. They will then be able to tell you about any actions that have been put onto the system.
What if the same thing happens again?
If the same thing happens again then it is important to report this to Sunderland ARCH. When you ring or visit a reporting centre tell the person you are speaking to that you have reported an incident to Sunderland ARCH before. They will ask you for your unique reference number and they will report the incident as a repeat incident. Don't worry of you have forgotten your reference number because the incidents can be linked afterwards. You can then decide which organisations you want help from.
How will ARCH make sure that the partner organisations are working together?
All the organisations in the ARCH partnership have signed a Service Level Agreement (SLA). Service Level Agreement is a document that denies what are the objectives and responsibilities of the partner organisations in Sunderland ARCH. In Service Level Agreement an organisation lists what support they can offer to victims of racist incidents and/or the action they can take against suspects. Every 2 months representatives from all the partner organisations will have a meeting to discuss issues that have come up in using the ARCH system and also make sure that they are doing what they say they will do in their Service Level Agreement.
What do I do if I am not happy with the support I am given?
If you are not happy with the support you have been given then you can speak to the organisation you are not happy with and ask them how to complain. All the organisations in the ARCH partnership have their own complaints procedure to follow. You can also email your complaint to sunderlandarch@sunderland.gov.uk or call the Diversity and Inclusion Team (who coordinate the ARCH project) on 0191 561 2480. Your complaint will be looked in to.
Can I report an incident that is not racially motivated?
No, not at the moment. However ARCH is planning to start taking details of other forms of hate incident, such as homophobic and disability incidents. ARCH is also hoping to work with schools to look at bullying.
If you have any questions about ARCH please telephone 0191 561 2480 or email sunderlandarch@sunderland.gov.uk
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