Hate Crime Awareness Week takes place from 9-16 October this year.
Hate Crime is a crime or incident that has been committed against someone because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity.
Ceredigion County Council is working with organisations such as Dyfed-Powys Police and Victim Support to pro-actively prevent hate offences through local and national targeted interventions.
During the Week, Ceredigion Youth Service is working with the INTACT team at Dyfed-Powys Police to undertake community projects with young people in Aberystwyth, Lampeter, Aberaeron and Cardigan. Various activities have been arranged with Post 16’s during the week to raise awareness of Hate Crime.
The Victim Support Hate Crime Report & Support Centre Wales has seen a stark increase in demand for its hate crime support services, up to 70%, during the pandemic. This rise was driven largely as a result of racial and homophobic related incidences.
Kay Howells is the Mid and South West Wales Community Cohesion Coordinator. She said: “Hate crimes and incidents often go unreported, leaving offenders free to commit further offences. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a hate crime, please make sure that it gets reported. We need to understand the problem so that the right decisions can be made to stop you or a member of your family and friends from becoming the next victim.”
Ellen Ap Gwynn, Ceredigion County Council Leader said: “Hate Crime Awareness Week is an opportunity for us to highlight hate crime issues by reminding people of what hate crime is and to encourage those who are a victim of hate crime to come forward and report the issue so that it can be investigated. Victims of hate crime in Ceredigion will be supported through local support services and resources.”
To report a hate crime you can call the police directly by dialling 999 if you are in immediate danger, or 101 for non-emergencies.
Victim Support which is free and available 24/7 can be contacted on 0300 30 31 982. All calls are treated confidentially and you have the option to remain anonymous. You can also report online at www.reporthate.victimsupport.org.uk
For more information, visit: https://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/hate-crime/
11/10/2021