Hate Crime Awareness Week

National Hate Crime Awareness Week (October 9-16) aims to bring people together to stand in solidarity, educate and learn, and support those who need ongoing support.

Hate crime is any criminal behaviour which appears to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice based on a person’s perceived:

• race
• religion
• sexual orientation
• transgender identity
• disability

It can include verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, harassment, assault and bullying, as well as damage to property. The perpetrator could be someone unknown to you, or they could be a friend.

We have guidance and policies in place to protect staff, such as our Social Media Policy, Code of Conduct and Equality & Diversity Policy.

There is an awareness e-learning module available for staff, entitled An Introduction to Hate Crime/Mate Crime. Please take the time to complete.

If you’ve been a victim of hate crime you can report it to the police or to the National Hate Crime Report and Support Centre (run by Victim Support.) You can find support at www.reporthate.victimsupport.org.uk or call 0300 3031 982 free at any time.

You can also report these crimes if you see them happen to someone else. Both the police and Victim Support can offer you support to deal with what happened to you and find a way forward.