A hate crime is defined as a crime which is committed against someone due to their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.
Leeds City Council, Safer Leeds, West Yorkshire Police, and West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner are standing together to reassure members of the public that hate crime in any form will not be tolerated.
As part of National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2017, which began on Monday 16th October, a number of events will be held across the city during the week to raise awareness of the issue and the practical help that is available from the council and partners to tackle it.
Leeds has set out a clear no tolerance message regarding hate crime. Anyone who is experiencing it can be assured that if reported, it will be taken seriously and investigated.
The national hate crime campaign aims to bring people together, to stand with those affected by hate crime, to remember those we have lost, and support those who need our ongoing support.
Through the week, the council and partners will be supporting the national #WeStandTogether message and local #LeedsNoPlaceforHate message to reassure the thousands of people across Leeds and the wider community, that the city remains safe and welcoming for all.
Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council executive member for communities, said: “Leeds today is more diverse than ever and we can be incredibly proud that as a city we have a history of being somewhere that is welcoming, tolerant and compassionate of people from all backgrounds and faiths.
“There is simply no place in our city for hate crimes of any form, and it will not be tolerated. We must stand together, and anyone who witnesses or experiences abusive behaviour should report it to the police or the council immediately. Anyone reporting a hate crime can be assured they will be listened to and that it will be investigated both properly and thoroughly.”
Mark Burns-Williamson, Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire said: “No-one should be subjected to, or fear, abuse because of their disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.
“I am very happy to be supporting the Leeds Hate Crime Strategy and Hate Crime Awareness Week through our on-going strong working partnership. It’s crucial that we work together to do our utmost to eradicate hate in West Yorkshire. If you are being affected by hate crime or incidents, report them as soon as you can.”
There are various ways that members of the public can make a report. This can be done in person at any council office, at one of our hate incident reporting centres, council one stop centres or any Police Station.
You can telephone West Yorkshire Police on 101 or in an Emergency 999 or the Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team on 0113 222 4402 or email at LASBT@leeds.gov.uk. The national organisation Stop Hate UK can be contacted on 800 138 1625, by text to 07717 989025 or via talk@stophateuk.org or downloading the Stop Hate UK APP.
By reporting incidents, you will enable the police, local councils, housing associations etc. to build up patterns of behaviour locally, and highlight areas of concern within your community.
