Police mark Hate Crime Awareness Week and standing with victim of hate crime

Greater Manchester Police is working with partners and members of the community to tackle the scourge of hate crime, as people across the country mark national Hate Crime Awareness Week (HCAW).

National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which runs from 12 October until 19 October, is a week of action to raise awareness and to encourage councils, schools, and key partners in the community to tackle hate crime.

Throughout the week, officer across the various districts of Greater Manchester will be out engaging with the diverse and vibrant communities, to discuss with them any issues they may have and to discuss the options available to them, should they be victims of a criminal offence.

Hate crime can take on many different forms, including assault, criminal damage, threats, and harassment. The crimes could be committed against someone because of their:

• Disability
• Race or ethnicity
• Religion or belief
• Gender identity
• Sexual orientation

Officers often meet with their communities to discuss relevant issues, including visits to places of worship to meet religious leaders and local officials to see what is affecting particular groups of people.

Members of GMP’s hate crime team also regularly talk to partners and forums to inform best practice, in addition to attending conferences and events to enable them to enhance their own knowledge and work.

Frontline officers are also regularly reminded of hate crime reporting – including getting the victims the best assistance, taking the most appropriate action, and marking the crimes accordingly.

This year, officers tackling hate crime in the force are particularly keen on emphasising how people can report hate crime, should they feel they have been the victim of an offence.

Superintendent Mike Russell, Hate Crime Lead for GMP, said: “While we are marking this awareness week by re-affirming our commitment to tackling hate crime, we are regularly reviewing and refreshing our policies and plans, in order to be best equipped and up-to-date when clamping down on criminality.

“This week, I want to make it very clear that we take hate crime extremely seriously and firmly stand with victims, who can be targeted with vile abuse and actions that can leave them feeling unsafe in their own communities.

“We know that hate crimes can go unreported and I want people to know that we will listen and take the appropriate action. Some people may not know how to report a hate crime, and I want to let them know that it can be done easily and discreetly.

“You can ring 101 to report a crime, visit our Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, or simply approach a police officer on the beat or in a station. They will be more than happy to help you with any issues you may have. Our website is full of helpful advice on reporting hate crime and what exactly it can look like – I would urge everyone to have a look for themselves to learn more.

"Of course, you can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or on their website at crimestoppers-uk.org."