Efforts to tackle hate crime in the Bradford district will be showcased during National Hate Crime Awareness Week from Saturday, 12 October to 19 October.
Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Hate Crime Alliance will work together to reinforce their commitment to tackle hate crime in all its forms.
This year’s theme is ‘Bradford No Place for Hate’ aiming to break the cycle of fear and mistrust between people of different backgrounds and cultures that has grown over recent years.
Hate Crime is defined as ‘any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim, or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone based on a personal characteristic’.
There are five centrally monitored strands of Hate Crime: Race or ethnicity, religion or beliefs, sexual orientation, disability and transgender identity.
Events during the week -which launches with a flag-raising event at City Hall on Friday, 11 October – include roadshows and drop-in events at various locations including the Peace Museum, Kala Sangam, shopping centres and Bradford City Football Club. There will even be a music driven ‘Friendly Flashmob’ at Bradford University.
A contingent of senior police officers from Spain will be visiting during the week to pick up tips on how Bradford deals with hate crime.
Councillor Abdul Jabar, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said:
“Every member of our community should be able to live their lives safe and free from verbal, physical or emotional attack – wherever they live, learn, work or play in this district.
“By working together we can build community cohesion and not fall prey to the forces that seek to divide us. Bradford is a vibrant, united and caring district and no place for hate or division.
“All forms of hate crime continue to have a massive impact upon victims and the quality of people’s lives. We won’t stand by and let prejudice and discrimination win.”
