Bolton Council are making a stand against those that commit hate crime offences and are encouraging victims to come forward and report.
Following the launch of the Greater Manchester Hate Crime Action Plan in October 2024, a week-long programme of activity is taking place this week as part of Hate Crime Awareness Week (HCAW).
The diverse range of events and activities are designed to raise awareness of what hate crime is and how victims and witnesses can report this behaviour without fear.
Hate crime is a crime or incident that is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hatred based on someone’s:
- race, colour or ethnic origin
- nationality or national origin
- religion, faith or belief
- gender or gender identity
- sexuality or sexual orientation
- disability
- lifestyle or dress
Hate incidents can take many forms including:
- Threat of or physical attack.
- Verbal abuse or insults – including bullying
- Inciting hate – including hateful graffiti, fly posters or stickers.
An incident doesn’t have to include violence to be reported. Verbal abuse, threats or other crimes driven by hate can be just as distressing and are taken just as seriously.
Raising awareness within the community and increasing confidence in reporting are key elements of the four-year plan, and the long-term commitment from Bolton Council and partners.
From workshops, creative sessions, sports events and drop-ins, partners have come together to deliver a meaningful package of activity open to everyone.
Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Cllr Rabiya Jiva, said:
“There is no place for hate in Bolton and I am committed to raising awareness and encouraging victims to come forward and report these hideous crimes.
“We want people to feel confident in reporting incidents to help them seek justice and prevent incidents from happening to other people.
“All reports will be investigated by Greater Manchester Police and perpetrators will be held to account.
“The more we know, the better we can respond and put the right support in place.”
To keep up to date on the programme of activity, please follow Bolton Council on Facebook, Instagram and X.
Find out more about hate crime and how to report at www.bolton.gov.uk/hatecrime