National Hate Crime Awareness Week 10-17 October

Stop Hate UK are working in partnership with the charity, 17-24-30, to coordinate and promote National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2015, which runs from 10-17 October.

17-24-30 was set up in 2009 by Mark Healey and Ryan Parkins following the London bombings in 1999 so that we would never forget the 139 people who were killed or injured. National Hate Crime Awareness Week has since become a focus each year for individuals and organisations, large and small, to show their commitment to stopping hate.

The week begins on Saturday 10 October with a service of Hope and Remembrance at St. Paul’s Cathedral, where a candle will be lit by Maz Saleem, in memory of her father, Mohammed Saleem who was murdered in 2013 and all those who have lost their lives or experienced Hate Crime.

During the week various events and initiatives will be held throughout the country by charitable and voluntary organisations, statutory agencies such as the police, police and crime commissioners, local authorities – and many others. Through information stalls, campaigns and social media these agencies will be working together to raise awareness about the different ways to report Hate Crime and the support services that exist to help those who are affected.

This year, the response from organisations and agencies has been terrific; some of the events and activities being held are very imaginative. In Leeds, the First Direct Arena is lighting up in red in support for all those affected by Hate Crime; there’ll be Samba dancing and food tasting in Plymouth; a multi-media art exhibition in Derby and a ‘Cuppa with a Coppa’ in Yarm. The week’s activities culminate on Saturday 17 October which is the International Day of Hope and Remembrance; a number of candlelight vigils will be taking place across the world in remembrance of all those affected by Hate Crime.

Rose Simkins, Chief Executive of Stop Hate UK said: “It is wonderful to see so many organisations working together to raise awareness about Hate Crime. Hate Crime across all monitored strands – disability, faith, gender identity, race and sexual orientation is a much under-reported crime.

“The Home Office Hate Crime statistics, due to be released on 13 October will hopefully show an increase in Hate Crime reporting across England and Wales which will be good news; however, while the number of Hate Crimes continues to rise there are many people who are suffering in silence and whose well-being, physical and mental health has been adversely affected.

“It’s important that we all continue to work together to ensure that those people who have been impacted by Hate Crime know where and how they can access support and the different options available to them. We want to see all perpetrators brought to justice and our communities made safer.

“As part of Stop Hate UK’s commitment to the week we are extending our existing helpline service, 0800 138 1625, to anyone in the UK who experiences or witnesses Hate Crime for the duration of the week. Our lines will open at 6pm on 10 October and stay open for anyone, wherever they live in the UK until 6pm on 17 October. Please call or contact us by phone, email, text, text relay, web chat, online forms or the post”.

Visit www.stophateuk.org/ReportaHateCrime  for further information.

Stop Hate UK Annual Statistical Report 2014-2015 here.