Making a stand against hate crime
Next week is Hate Crime Awareness Week. During the week Gateshead Council and its partners are reminding the community that there is no place for hate in Gateshead.
National Hate Crime Awareness week takes place from Saturday 9 October to Saturday 16 October and is a national week of action to raise awareness of hate crime.
Hate crimes are crimes committed against an individual or group of people based on their identity or their perceived difference. It could be an act of violence, hostility or discrimination. Victims may have been bullied, harassed or abused because of their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity. The crime may be verbal abuse, offensive graffiti, threats, damage to property, assault, cyber bullying, abusive texts, emails or phone calls.
Councillor Angela Douglas, Chair of the Gateshead Community Safety Board, said: "We're very proud of our diverse community here in Gateshead so it is worrying that we are still seeing people reporting hate crimes. Hate crime has a destructive effect, not just on victims but on whole communities.
"But we're confident that by working together (with Northumbria Police, Victims First Northumbria and other partners) we can make a real difference and show that hate crime will not be tolerated.
"For victims, the key message has to be, please don't suffer in silence. If you see it or hear it then report it - there are people who can help."
If you have seen or been a victim of a hate crime in Gateshead please call the 24-hour helpline on 0191 433 2648 or report online. With just one phone call you can get help from a range of organisations, including Victims First Northumbria and the police. Reports can remain anonymous and you don't have to give your name and personal details.
Next week is Hate Crime Awareness Week. During the week Gateshead Council and its partners are reminding the community that there is no place for hate in Gateshead.
National Hate Crime Awareness week takes place from Saturday 9 October to Saturday 16 October and is a national week of action to raise awareness of hate crime.
Hate crimes are crimes committed against an individual or group of people based on their identity or their perceived difference. It could be an act of violence, hostility or discrimination. Victims may have been bullied, harassed or abused because of their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity. The crime may be verbal abuse, offensive graffiti, threats, damage to property, assault, cyber bullying, abusive texts, emails or phone calls.
Councillor Angela Douglas, Chair of the Gateshead Community Safety Board, said: "We're very proud of our diverse community here in Gateshead so it is worrying that we are still seeing people reporting hate crimes. Hate crime has a destructive effect, not just on victims but on whole communities.
"But we're confident that by working together (with Northumbria Police, Victims First Northumbria and other partners) we can make a real difference and show that hate crime will not be tolerated.
"For victims, the key message has to be, please don't suffer in silence. If you see it or hear it then report it - there are people who can help."
If you have seen or been a victim of a hate crime in Gateshead please call the 24-hour helpline on 0191 433 2648 or report online. With just one phone call you can get help from a range of organisations, including Victims First Northumbria and the police. Reports can remain anonymous and you don't have to give your name and personal details.
