Safe Newcastle to host virtual conference to raise awareness of hate crimes

On Friday October 15, during National Hate Crime Awareness Week, Safe Newcastle partners and other organisations in the city will convene for a digital conference to explore hate crimes.

Experts in victim support, prosecution, policing, and community engagement will discuss the effects hate crimes have on victims and their wider communities, how to go about reporting hate crimes, and how different organisations can work together to educate and engage communities about the issue.

Cllr Clare Penny-Evans, Chair of Safe Newcastle and Newcastle City Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Public Safety, said: “Thankfully, Newcastle is overwhelmingly tolerant and welcoming of people regardless of who they are. Sadly, however, there remains a small minority of people who seek to target individuals and groups for characteristics beyond their control.

“Hate crimes can have a profound effect on victims and their peers and we want to make that point during National Hate Crime Awareness Week.

“We want people to be aware of the damage they’re causing when they commit these offences, encourage victims to come forward, report their experiences and get the support they need, and make it clear that hate crimes have no place in our city.”

Superintendent Jamie Pitt from Northumbria Police said: “We are proud that the North East is a largely tolerant and friendly place to live and work which is why hateful behaviour is all the more shameful and has no place here.

“It is important people understand that anyone who is subjected to threatening or abusive behaviour which causes alarm, harassment or distress is a victim of crime - no matter their personal characteristics.

"These crimes often have a significant impact on victims and it is only right we take action against such unacceptable behaviour. Please work with us to help prevent and challenge hate crime. And, if you are a victim, please know that we will do all we can to support you.

“Anyone who has been a victim of hate crime or has witnessed a hate-related incident should contact us using our Tell us Something page on our website.”

A hate crime is anything that targets a person for their race, ethnicity or nationality, for their disability, their gender or sexual orientation, or their religion, faith or beliefs.

Unfortunately, hate crimes regularly go unreported for a range of reasons, meaning victims are left to suffer in silence without any support and perpetrators do not face any justice. Members of the public are encouraged to get in touch with the police or Stop Hate UK if they have witnessed, been informed of, or are a victim of hate crime. People can also report abuse and hate speech seen online.

Newcastle City Council commissions hate crime charity Stop Hate UK to provide a confidential support and reporting service to residents in the city. Details of how to contact Stop Hate UK can be found at www.stophateuk.org.   

Register your interest in the Safe Newcastle National Hate Crime Awareness Week conference here.

More information about hate crime and how to report it is available at https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/communities-and-neighbourhoods/reporting-hate-crime