Recognise hate crimes and incidents, don’t let them go unreported and help create safer communities for all | News

Hate crimes and hate incidents are motivated by hostility or prejudice against people based on their actual or perceived race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity.

Hate crimes break the law and can take different forms including assault, abuse, criminal damage and inciting hatred.

Hate incidents might not constitute a criminal offence but are also serious acts and types of offensive behaviour perceived as being motivated by prejudice.

They can all go underreported because of a reluctance due to fear, shame or mistrust. It means some offenders aren’t held accountable for their actions.

We provide safe ways to report serious issues, and friendly staff who can give you emotional support.

Here a few key things to know or pass on to others about hate crime and incident awareness and reporting, if you’re ever targeted or are a witness.

1. Not all hate incidents will amount to criminal offences, but it’s equally important to report them. You can do this:

• By phoning in us on 01204 328000 or emailing us at Bhtenancy.enforcementservice@boltonathome.org.uk
• At any one of our UCAN centres: www.boltonathome.org.uk/ucan
• At another local third party reporting centre in Greater Manchester: www.letsendhatecrime.com
• Directly to the police online at: www.met.police.uk/true-vision-report-hate-crime, at a police station, on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

2. Hate crimes and incidents can have serious consequences, with serious and lasting and impacts on people and their communities. They can cause physical harm, emotional trauma, financial loss and can undermine people’s sense of safety and belonging.

3. Reporting hate crimes and incidents can help to prevent them happening again. By reporting serious issues, individuals and communities can see that appropriate action is taken against offenders. It can also help to raise awareness about the problem and create a safer and more inclusive society.

Everyone has a role to play in addressing hate crimes and incidents, even if you’re not the one who’s been targeted. Speak out against hate crimes and incidents you see happening and support those affected by them.

 

Have you experienced a hate crime? Greater Manchester Police (Bolton) wants your help.

As part of Greater Manchester Hate Crime Awareness Week, from 6 to 12 February 2023, Greater Manchester Police will run hate crime focus groups and want to speak with people affected by hate crime.

The aim of these sessions is to discover the issues and barriers people may face within the criminal justice system, and use insight to make positive and practical changes to improve support that’s available.

There’s a local session on Tuesday 7 February from 11:30 am to 1:30pm, at Deane and Derby Cricket and Social Club, Chelsea Road, Bolton, BL3 3BA

For more information, please email 73491@gmp.police.uk

Thank you.