Greater Manchester Police is joining the rest of the country in standing up to hatred and discrimination by joining in with National Hate Crime Awareness Week again this year.
Held every year, the national week sees organisations and police forces across the country letting people know what hate crime is and how they can report it – whether it’s to the police or to an organisation trained to support victims.
GMP works with Manchester City Council to deliver a Greater Manchester Hate Crime Awareness Week every February but from October 10 – 16th the whole country stands up to hatred around the nationally recognised characteristics – race, religion, sexual orientation, transsexuality and disability.
Dozens of groups across Greater Manchester will hold events throughout hate crime awareness week to help their communities to understand the issue.
This includes an awareness event in Manchester City Centre on Sunday 9th, events in schools around Harpurhey and Moston and a rugby match between GMP’s rugby team and The Canalsiders at Hough End.
Chief Superintendent Wasim Chaudhry, GMP’s operational lead on tackling hate crime, said: “We work hard all year round to raise awareness of hate crime, bring offenders to justice and support victims after these extremely personal attacks happen.
“This awareness week helps us reinforce our commitment to ensuring people can celebrate their differences here in Manchester – we’re proud of our multicultural and diverse communities and we will absolutely not tolerate anyone who threatens this.
“Over the last year, 5000 hate crimes or incidents were reported to us, most of which happen as people are going about their daily lives. Anyone who is a victim of a hate crime should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, report online at www.report-it.org or use the True Vision app.”
Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “Greater Manchester is renowned for celebrating difference. Everybody should be allowed to be who they are without judgement or hatred. We need to look beyond race, sexuality, disability, religion or gender identity, to the person behind that identity.
“Hate crime should never be accepted or excused. It is a crime that causes physical and emotional damage. Even when the bruises have healed and the words have been spoken, the pain of the incident remains. Greater Manchester is committed to standing together to eradicate hate crime. If you have been a victim, I urge you to speak out and get help and support.”
