Hate Crime Awareness Week 2020
Ahead of the start of Hate Crime Awareness Week 2020 tomorrow, PCC Hardyal Dhindsa and DCC Mark Hamilton, national Hate Crime Leads for the APCC and NPCC respectively, have issued the following statement:
"This year, the coronavirus pandemic poses a challenge to the global community, the likes of which we have not experienced for generations.
"Unfortunately, at the pandemic’s outbreak, we heard concerning reports regarding hate crimes and incidents being perpetrated in relation to the virus. This follows on from government statistics over previous years revealing spikes in hate crime in England and Wales following the EU Referendum, and also the terrorist attacks of 2017.
"Now, as the country charts it’s course through the pandemic and as we adjust to life outside of the EU, it is crucial that #WeStandTogether to celebrate our differences and diversity, and say #NO2Hate.
"To victimise somebody for who they are is inexcusable. If you have been targeted for abuse because of your race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or because you are transgender (or other characteristics in certain force areas), please get in touch with the police, who should listen to you, ensure you receive the support you need, record what you say and where appropriate pursue a criminal investigation."