National Hate Crime Awareness Week
15th October 2018
‘Hate crime will not be tolerated’
That’s the message from Northumbria Police and the Force’s Commissioner ahead of a national awareness week dedicated to stamping out such crimes and raising awareness of the effects on victims.
The vow comes ahead of a jam-packed week of action, which includes special events and guest speakers, to help mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week (NHCAW) which runs from October 13 to 20.
The Force has previously been praised for its positive work in tackling hate crime and currently works with a range of partners including True Vision and Arch to run Safe Reporting Centres for victims. A number of officers have also received special training to support vulnerable victims of these types of crimes.
Assistant Chief Constable of Northumbria Police Ged Noble said: “We are committed to tackling such abhorrent crimes and ensuring victims are supported at every opportunity.
“Being you is not a crime – but targeting you because of who you are very much is and will not be tolerated.
“It is never acceptable to abuse someone because of their race, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, transgender identity or any other protected characteristic and we will stand together to stop this sort of prejudice.
“We have worked extremely hard to give victims the confidence to come forward and our officers have an excellent understanding about what constitutes a hate crime and the additional support which can be provided.”
Dame Vera Baird QC, Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria, has further assured the public that hate crime is a top priority.
Commissioner Baird has funded a number of dedicated hate crime advocates to support communities across the region. She also organises advisory panels with representatives from communities who have been targeted to highlight areas of best practice and provide input on where improvements could be made.
She said: “I want to make it absolutely clear – there is no place whatsoever for hate crime in society.
“It’s important that all victims feel safe and supported enough to report these type of offences. There should never be a situation where someone suffers in silence and I want to ensure everyone has a voice.
“I am pleased that he in Northumbria we have specially-trained officers and staff in place to offer all the support that is needed to victims and I would encourage anyone who feels they are being targeted for who they to come forward and work with us.”
There are a number of different ways to report hate crime. There are Safe Reporting Centres across the Northumbria force area as well as via third sector agencies such as True Vision and Tell Mamma and also online. Or by dialling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Remember to follow us on Twitter @northumbriapol and via the hashtag #BeingYouIsNotACrime
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