Week of activities supports National Hate Crime Awareness Week
This Saturday, 12 October, marks the start of National Hate Crime Awareness Week.
The week is an opportunity to remind people of the support available should someone experience, or witness, a hate crime or incident.
Throughout the week, staff from the Safer Kirklees team will be visiting local spots across Kirklees to share information about hate crimes, ways to report them and details of the support available. Make sure you come across and have a chat or ask us questions.
Councillor Amanda Pinnock, Cabinet Member for Education and Communities said:
“I’m proud the vast majority of residents in Kirklees embrace the differences of our neighbours, which builds a strong foundation for unity amongst our communities.
“National Hate Crime Awareness Week is an opportunity to remind people of the support available should someone experience, or witness hate.
“Throughout the week, information stalls will be popping up across Kirklees, helping us engage with local communities in local places. Staff from Safer Kirklees will be on hand to share information, answer questions, provide advice and listen to any concerns of residents.
“No-one should have to live with the fear and anxiety that hate crime causes.
“I encourage anyone who has been subject to someone else’s violence or prejudice to report it so you receive appropriate support, and it can be investigated. Your bravery in coming forward could also save someone else from experiencing hate.”
Where to find us
Our information stall will be at:
- Huddersfield Open Market – Tuesday 15 October, 10am to 12noon
- Dewsbury Bus Station – Tuesday 15 October, 9am – 12pm
- Morrisons Heckmondwike – Wednesday 16 October, 9am – 12pm
- Cleckheaton Bus Station – Thursday 17 October, 9am – 12pm
- Cleckheaton Tesco – Friday 18 October, 9am – 12pm
- Batley Tesco – Friday 18 October, 1pm – 3pm
What is a hate crime or incident?
A hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim, or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or perceived disability.
Hate crimes include verbal abuse, online abuse, physical attacks, damage to property, offensive graffiti and arson.
If you’ve experienced or witnessed something that wasn’t a crime, like someone using abusive gestures, but you think it was motivated by prejudice against you, it’s known as a ‘hate incident’ and should still be reported.
Why make a report?
Making a report means the event will be investigated and ensures you receive any support you may need.
Your report could also prevent someone else from experiencing a hate crime.
How to make a report
There are many ways to report a non-emergency hate crime:
- Call the police on 101
- Report it at a local library
- Go online to our report hate crime webpage
For more information about hate crimes and how to report them, visit our website.
Always dial 999 in an emergency.