Do you know how to report Hate Crime in Gateshead?
To raise awareness of hate crime and how to report it in our communities, we'll be supporting Hate Crime Awareness Week, marking the start of the campaign on 12 October by lighting the Gateshead Millennium Bridge purple.
A hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or another person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's:
• disability
• gender identity
• race or ethnicity
• religion or belief
• sexual orientation
The impact of hate crime on an individual can often be devastating. Where individuals are targeted because of a personal characteristic, they can feel fearful of further incidents and become isolated. It can also affect others who may share that characteristic, impacting the wider community.
As part of the Gateshead Community Safety Board's new Hate Crime Strategy, which includes priorities of improving confidence in hate crime reporting and raising awareness of how and where to report, Gateshead has increased the amount of 'safe reporting centres' in the borough.
Safe reporting centres offer a neutral location within the community where anyone can report hate crime or hate incidents without having to contact the police directly.
Staff at these venues are trained to manage a wide variety of public enquiries, not just hate crime reporting, and are able to offer advice and signpost to different services if needed.
Anybody can use this facility regardless of if they are a victim, witness, or just someone who is aware of information that needs to be reported.
Alice Wiseman, Director of Public Health at Gateshead Council and Newcastle Council, said: "It's so important that people know where they can go to safely report instances of hate crime in our communities, assured that they will be listened to by a trained member of staff.
"We recognise that some people might not feel comfortable visiting a police station, or have a disability or additional need which means they may need support to report something that has happened. By making our Family Hubs safe reporting centres, we can ensure that people have a community setting nearby where they can get the support they need to raise concerns.
"If you or anyone you know has been a victim of suspected hate crime, please don't hesitate to report it. Diversity is essential for our communities to thrive, and the hate crime strategy is a key part of how we'll be working with partners to make everyone feel safe and welcome in Gateshead."
Chief Inspector Robert Bosson, Northumbria Police's Hate Crime lead, said: "We want all victims of hate crime to know that we are here for them and that we take every report seriously.
"We will continue to work hard to build on the relationships we have with the incredibly cohesive communities we are proud to serve and be a part of here in the North East in order to further increase confidence people have in reaching out.
"We would urge anyone who has been the victim of a hate crime, or those who have witnessed an offence of this nature, to come forward, either by visiting a safe reporting centre or contacting us.
"Please be assured you will be supported and we are committed to bringing offenders to justice.
"To report a hate crime, send us a direct message on social media, use the live chat function on our website or use the online reporting tool on our website.
"If you are unable to contact us via these ways, call 101. In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always call 999."
Members of the public can also find out more about reporting Hate Crime from police and community safety colleagues at the Civic Centre atrium on Tuesday 15 October from 11am until 2pm.
For a full list of safe reporting centres in Gateshead and to find out more about the Hate Crime Strategy, visit the page below.
To raise awareness of hate crime and how to report it in our communities, we'll be supporting Hate Crime Awareness Week, marking the start of the campaign on 12 October by lighting the Gateshead Millennium Bridge purple.
A hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or another person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's:
• disability
• gender identity
• race or ethnicity
• religion or belief
• sexual orientation
The impact of hate crime on an individual can often be devastating. Where individuals are targeted because of a personal characteristic, they can feel fearful of further incidents and become isolated. It can also affect others who may share that characteristic, impacting the wider community.
As part of the Gateshead Community Safety Board's new Hate Crime Strategy, which includes priorities of improving confidence in hate crime reporting and raising awareness of how and where to report, Gateshead has increased the amount of 'safe reporting centres' in the borough.
Safe reporting centres offer a neutral location within the community where anyone can report hate crime or hate incidents without having to contact the police directly.
Staff at these venues are trained to manage a wide variety of public enquiries, not just hate crime reporting, and are able to offer advice and signpost to different services if needed.
Anybody can use this facility regardless of if they are a victim, witness, or just someone who is aware of information that needs to be reported.
Alice Wiseman, Director of Public Health at Gateshead Council and Newcastle Council, said: "It's so important that people know where they can go to safely report instances of hate crime in our communities, assured that they will be listened to by a trained member of staff.
"We recognise that some people might not feel comfortable visiting a police station, or have a disability or additional need which means they may need support to report something that has happened. By making our Family Hubs safe reporting centres, we can ensure that people have a community setting nearby where they can get the support they need to raise concerns.
"If you or anyone you know has been a victim of suspected hate crime, please don't hesitate to report it. Diversity is essential for our communities to thrive, and the hate crime strategy is a key part of how we'll be working with partners to make everyone feel safe and welcome in Gateshead."
Chief Inspector Robert Bosson, Northumbria Police's Hate Crime lead, said: "We want all victims of hate crime to know that we are here for them and that we take every report seriously.
"We will continue to work hard to build on the relationships we have with the incredibly cohesive communities we are proud to serve and be a part of here in the North East in order to further increase confidence people have in reaching out.
"We would urge anyone who has been the victim of a hate crime, or those who have witnessed an offence of this nature, to come forward, either by visiting a safe reporting centre or contacting us.
"Please be assured you will be supported and we are committed to bringing offenders to justice.
"To report a hate crime, send us a direct message on social media, use the live chat function on our website or use the online reporting tool on our website.
"If you are unable to contact us via these ways, call 101. In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always call 999."
Members of the public can also find out more about reporting Hate Crime from police and community safety colleagues at the Civic Centre atrium on Tuesday 15 October from 11am until 2pm.
For a full list of safe reporting centres in Gateshead and to find out more about the Hate Crime Strategy, visit the page below.
