This Saturday (October 11) marks the start of National Hate Crime Awareness Week – seven days dedicated to raising awareness about hate crime and working together to create communities where everyone feels safe, respected, and supported.
Hate crime is any criminal act motivated by prejudice or hostility towards someone’s identity – such as their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or gender identity. It can take many forms, including physical assault, verbal abuse, or incitement to hatred. These acts harm individuals and weaken the fabric of our communities.
Cllr Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe to lead their lives without the fear of being a victim. Reporting hate crime is essential to tackling it and ensuring our communities remain safe and inclusive. This week is a reminder that we all have a role to play – not just those directly affected. If you witness or experience a hate crime, please report it. Support is available, and reporting helps us protect everyone.
“The council is committed to working with people from all communities to raise awareness of hate crime and how to report it. This includes working alongside local groups to design together and strengthen hate crime reporting systems across the city, ensuring that victims have access to representative and the right sort of support. This helps makes sure there are the services available that understand the diverse needs of our communities and respond with empathy and care.
“Building strong, resilient communities is at the heart of our work. By working with local organisations, we are investing in community cohesion and ensuring everyone feels safe and respected. This commitment has never been more important”.
Hate crime can be reported online, by calling police, and via Hull’s network of dedicated Hate Crime Reporting Centres. Staff at these centres, which are within community facilities, are currently receiving specialist training to provide compassionate, informed support to anyone making a report.
Find out more about hate crime, how to report it, and where to find local reporting centres:
Hate crime and community tension reporting centres | Hull
Learn more about National Hate Crime Awareness Week: National Hate Crime Awareness Week – Stop Hate UK
