South Yorkshire policing representative says victims of hate crime need to know “they are not alone”
National Hate Crime Awareness Week begins this weekend
A top South Yorkshire policing representative says victims of hate crime need to know “they are not alone” and that reports of the offence will be “taken seriously”.
Kilvinder Vigurs, the county’s deputy mayor for policing and public safety, has made the comments as National Hate Crime Awareness Week begins this weekend.
The UK-wide campaign brings together police, councils, charities and community organisations to challenge hate crime and support those affected by it.
Ms Vigurs said: "We know that many victims do not report hate crime. We must address the barriers that prevent people from coming forward and ensure those whose voices are too often unheard feel empowered and supported to report what has happened to them.
“Victims need to know that they are not alone, that they will be listened to and that reports of hate crime will be taken seriously.
“By encouraging reporting and supporting victims we can help build safer communities across South Yorkshire where everyone feels respected, valued and able to live free from hate.”
Hate crimes are defined as any crimes that are targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards that person’s disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or gender identity.
They can have a devastating impact on victims, affecting their confidence, wellbeing and sense of safety. Increasing reporting helps ensure victims receive support and enables agencies to take action against offenders.
The deputy mayor, who is equalities lead for the Mayoral Combined Authority, is known to regularly engage with people from a wide range of communities across South Yorkshire.
She said: “Listening to their experiences helps me understand first-hand the impact that hate crimes and incidents can have on people's lives.
“Any victim of crime can experience trauma and a sense of injustice. However, to be targeted because of who you are, what you believe, or because of a characteristic that forms part of your identity is completely unacceptable and has no place in our society.
“Everyone deserves to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect, and to have the same opportunity to live free from discrimination and prejudice, regardless of their background or identity.
“I am proud to support National Hate Crime Awareness Week because tackling hate crime starts with challenging ignorance and prejudice through greater awareness, understanding and empathy.
“My experience of visiting areas in the county is that there is much more good than bad, and we can stand up together to tackle hate, promoting kindness and respect instead.”
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has joined forces with South Yorkshire Police to support activity to encourage reporting of hate crimes and will shortly be launching a range of campaign materials that will be shared across social media.
Anyone who experiences or witnesses a hate crime is encouraged to report it. Reports can be made directly to South Yorkshire Police by calling 101.