Hate Crime Awareness Week

National Hate Crime Awareness Week (HCAW) runs from the 14th – 21st October 2017. It is an opportunity for people to raise awareness of what hate crime is and how we can respond to it if we witness or are victim to it.This can help to ensure people report instances of hate crime, victims get the support they need and those committing hate crimes are brought to justice. 

Hate crime is widely an unreported problem as victims don’t always think a crime has been committed. Activities in Hate Crime Awareness Week aim to provide a greater understanding about what constitutes hate crime and how it can be reported within Warwickshire.  We also aim to promote community cohesion and unity, supporting the principles of #WeStandTogether – a national campaign that encourages people to come together as one and celebrate their differences in order to build a safer and stronger United Kingdom.

What activities are planned in Warwickshire?

• Release of a hate crime music track and video – Love Instead of Hate (Give it a Try)
  Music can be a powerful way to raise awareness of an issue.  Inspired by the lyrics of a rap penned by a local Warwickshire police officer based in Nuneaton, a music track has been written and produced that highlights the harm that hate can cause.  The producers and artists on the single have donated their time and expertise for free on this project.  A video has also been produced to accompany the track and students at Avon Valley School in Nuneaton play the starring roles in the film as well as being involved in the editing and production.  The single and video will be available to download from the 16th October 2017.  Give it a listen!

• Community tea parties #CakeNotHate
  Volunteers are needed to run community tea parties to support HCAW. We want people to come together to fight hate in their community with a tea party that embraces our differences and promotes cohesion.  Events across Warwickshire are being co-ordinated and supported by the local Safer Neighbourhood Policing Teams. Anyone can apply to be a host of a tea party. The idea is to utilise existing venues and "get togethers" - coffee mornings, toddler groups, playgroups, faith groups, community hubs. They are just re-branded temporarily for HCAW and members are encouraged to bring along cakes and biscuits to share.  Hosts will receive a free pack that contains hate crime resources (posters, stickers, leaflets, bunting, pens, slapbands, keyrings). We are encouraging photos of the tea parties to be shared via social media with the hashtag #CakeNotHate. If you would like more information please contact communitysafety@warwickshire.gov.uk.  Watch out for a tea party near you! 

• Launch of a new Hate Crime website for Warwickshire www.reporthatenow.com
  A new partnership website has been created which provides information and advice on Hate Crime and also a portal which enables the reporting of incidents in Warwickshire.  The site has been developed in conjunction with Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire Police, Police and Crime Commissioner and EquIP. It is hoped that by having a dedicated resource that provides an alternative method of reporting incidents, that the reporting of hate related incidents and crimes can be increased.  The site also provides customised support for victims and witnesses which can help ensure that they get the help they need more effectively.