Law enforcement and local authorities in Greater Manchester have united to send a clear message during Hate Crime Awareness Week – that hate incidents and hate crime will not be tolerated here.
Launching on Monday 3 February, the initiative will see all ten boroughs in the region join forces with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
The collaboration underscores a collective commitment from leaders to combat hate crimes. These are acts of violence or hostility directed at individuals due to their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics. The partnership aims to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all residents.
A key focus of Hate Crime Awareness Week is to encourage the public to report hate crimes, particularly through third-party reporting centres. These offer a safe and confidential space for victims and witnesses without having to go directly to the police.
As well as sending a message of unity in our communities, the week aims to make it easier to report crimes and ensure the public knows that every incident is taken seriously.
Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities Kate Green said:
“Greater Manchester is a place where everyone should feel safe to be themselves. No one should face violence, abuse, or hatred just because of who they are, who they love, where they’re from, what they look like or what they believe.
“I encourage anyone who has been a victim of a hate crime to speak up and get support – whether that’s via one of the many third-party reporting centres in the region or by directly reporting the matter to the police.
“The Hate Crime Plan that we released last October was a statement of our commitment to tackling hate and prejudice in our society. I am proud of the diverse communities that make up our city-region and I will continue to work hard to ensure that Greater Manchester is a welcoming place to live, work and visit.”
