As we mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week (10th –17th October), we’re reaffirming our commitment to creating communities where everyone feels safe, respected and included.
Hate crime can have a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities. Whether it is motivated by disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity, hate crime has no place in our neighbourhoods. Raising awareness, encouraging people to report hate crime and ensuring support is available are all vital steps we are taking to tackle this issue.
What is a hate crime?
If someone commits a criminal act motivated by hate, it’s a hate crime. If the behaviour isn’t criminal but still motivated by hate (such as spreading hostility or isolating a neighbour), it’s a hate incident. Both are serious and we will investigate any report we receive.
If you experience or witness a hate crime or hate incident, please report it. Even if you’re unsure, tell us; we’re here to help.
Witnessing a Hate Crime
If you experience or witness a hate crime or hate incident, please report it. Even if you’re unsure, tell us; we’re here to help.
You can call us on 0330 303 2222
Or you can report it online: Report anti-social behaviour or hate crime
You can also contact Merseyside Police on 101 (or 999 in an emergency) or reach out to Stop Hate UK on 0800 138 1625.
Reports can be made confidentially, and if you prefer, you can remain anonymous.
We’re proud to work alongside local partners to help make our communities safer and more inclusive. Recently, members of our Antisocial Behaviour Engagement Team joined colleagues from Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office for a community walkabout in Norris Green.
Together, the partnership team visited around 300 homes, providing residents with information about what hate crime is, how to report it and where to access support if they have been affected. The walkabout also provided an opportunity to speak directly with local people, answer questions and raise awareness of the services available to victims.
Many incidents of hate crime go unreported, often because people are unsure whether what they have experienced is a hate crime or where to turn for help. By working together with our partners, we’re helping to ensure residents have the information they need to recognise hate crime, report it with confidence and access support when they need it.
If you’ve been affected by hate crime, support is available:
Stop Hate UK
Call: 0800 138 1625
Victim Care Merseyside
Call: 0808 175 3080
Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and community. By standing together against hate crime, we can help build neighbourhoods where diversity is celebrated, everyone feels valued and hate has no place.
For more information about hate crime and the support available, please contact our team or visit the websites of the organisations listed above.
Together, we can create safer, stronger and more inclusive communities for all.
