NCJ Number
158786
Date Published
1995
Length
63 pages
Annotation
This report presents the findings of an evaluation of a crime prevention project designed to reduce repeated racial victimization on a local authority housing estate in East London.
Abstract
The primary evaluated prevention measures included the deterrent action taken against those identified by victims as the perpetrators of racist crimes, the improved security to the flats of repeat victims, personal alarms, English language classes for the Bengali and Somali women, and "streetwise" classes for the young Bengalis and Somalis. Findings show that victims of racial attacks suffered less repeat victimization due to the project initiative. They also felt safer on the estate and were optimistic that in the future, racial attacks and harassment would be less. Suggestions are offered to the police and the local authority that will help them respond more effectively to racial incidents. The final chapter reviews how some of the difficulties in achieving a positive response to the aims of the project were addressed. Some of the aspects of the project that acted as catalysts for change are mentioned. Working with "innovators" and those sympathetic to the plight of the victims assisted the process of putting crime prevention measures in place. The focus of the work on repeat racial victims, with the emphasis on assisting the most heavily victimized first, enabled the revictimization prevention worker to prioritize work. 4 figures, 52 references, and appended supplementary material