National Hate Crime Awareness Week: Tackling Hate Crime Together

As we mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week, North Wales Housing stands firm in the belief that everyone has the right to live without fear, hostility, or intimidation. We are committed to fostering safe and inclusive communities and expect our residents to show consideration to their neighbours and the wider community, ensuring no acts of hate are committed or condoned. To help raise awareness and encourage action, we urge residents to take a stand against hate crime by reporting any incidents promptly.

What is Hate Crime?

Unfortunately, not everyone shares the same values, and some individuals may cause harm by targeting others based on their identity. Hate crimes can take many forms and may occur in person or online, including actions that disrupt a person’s right to live peacefully. A hate crime is an offence that the victim or another person believes was committed because of the victim’s characteristics, such as:

– Age
– Disability
– Sex
– Gender identity or reassignment
– Marriage or civil partnership status
– Pregnancy or maternity status
– Race, colour, ethnicity, or nationality
– Religion or belief
– Sexual orientation
– Alternative subculture

Examples of hate crime include verbal abuse, bullying, physical assault, vandalism, graffiti, arson, threatening behaviour, or damage to property.

What Should You Do if You Experience or Witness a Hate Crime?

Anyone can be a victim of hate crime if targeted because of who they are. If you have been affected, it’s important not to suffer in silence. Hate crime is a criminal offence, and we advise reporting incidents to the police—dial 999 in emergencies or 101 for non-urgent matters.

If you prefer not to speak to the police, you can report a hate crime anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. While anonymity is maintained, providing your details can help with a thorough investigation.

We encourage victims to seek support by confiding in a trusted friend or family member. There are also agencies that can help you cope and recover from the experience. If you know someone affected by hate crime, simple actions like checking in on them or advising them on how to report the incident can make a big difference. No one should feel alone when facing abuse for being themselves.

How North Wales Housing Handles Hate Crime Reports

When we receive a report of a hate crime, a dedicated officer will make contact within one working day to gather details and discuss any immediate action. If you want us to investigate, we will conduct an interview and agree on the next steps. We may collect evidence and ask you to report the incident to the police, and we could also work alongside the police and interview other witnesses.

Throughout the investigation, we will keep you informed, and we will ask you to update us on any relevant incidents to assist with case progression. Our response will be reasonable and proportionate, ranging from early intervention to legal remedies. Investigations may take days or weeks, but we will communicate our decision and any actions to you. If there is insufficient evidence to proceed, we will discuss the outcome with you before closing the case.

Support and Advice from External Agencies

– Citizens Advice: Offers guidance on what support is available for victims of hate crime, including how to report it to the police. Visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk or call Citizens Advice (Wales) on 0800 702 2020.

– Victim Support: An independent charity providing 24/7 assistance through their Support line and live chat service. They offer emotional and practical support to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported. Learn more at www.victimsupport.org.uk or call 0808 16 89 111.

During National Hate Crime Awareness Week, let’s come together to take a stand against hate crime. At North Wales Housing, we take all reports seriously and are here to support our residents every step of the way. Together, we can build a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.