Knowsley Council is supporting Hate Crime Awareness Week 2023 to say ‘No More’ to hate crime in our borough.
Hate Crime Awareness Week this year runs between 14 and 21 October and aims to raise understanding of what hate crime is and where and how it can be reported.
What is hate crime?
A hate crime is when someone commits a crime against you because of your disability, sex, age, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other perceived difference.
Hate crime can fall into one of three main types: physical assault, verbal abuse and incitement to hatred.
You can find out more about what Hate Crime is here.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “Hate crime has no place in Knowsley. We continue to say No More to hate in our borough. If you or someone you know has experienced any form of hate crime we would urge you to come forward and report it. Our Crime and Communities team work closely with partners, including Merseyside Police, to help tackle hate crime in Knowsley. By reporting incidents it helps our community safety partners gain a better understanding of the issues and how we can best support residents and communities affected.”
How to report hate crime?
If you have witnessed a hate crime, or have any information, please contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre. You can also call 101.
If, for any reason, you do not wish to the report to the police, Stop Hate UK will ensure you get the appropriate emotional and practical support. They offer a free, confident and accessible 24/7 reporting service for all victims of hate crime, including multi-lingual reporting, the Stop Hate UK app, phone line 0800 138 1625 and webchat www.stophateuk.org.
Anyone affected by hate crime can visit www.victimcaremerseyside.org for help, advice and to get the contact details for organisations which can offer support.
Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Tackling hate crime is a priority for me and National Hate Crime Awareness Week gives us all the opportunity to highlight the real damage that hatred and prejudice can inflict on individuals and communities, whilst also providing us with a platform to celebrate the rich diversity that exists across Merseyside.
“Crimes motivated by hate have no place in our region and they will not be tolerated, so I’m pleased to come together with our partners to send out the message – loud and clear – that Merseyside is inclusive and welcomes all. It is home to people of all races and faiths, of all sexual orientations and genders and to people of all abilities, and our communities are enriched as a result.”
Detective Superintendent Cheryl Rhodes from Merseyside Police said: “Our officers and team of dedicated hate crime co-ordinators work tirelessly to provide support to victims of hate crime, investigate such incidences and find those responsible, bringing them to justice.
“We work closely with partner organisations including LCR Pride, the Michael Causer Foundation, Citizens Advice Liverpool, local councils, and licenced premises across Merseyside to understand community concerns, educate people on the harm that hate causes in our communities, and develop our awareness and encourage reporting.”