Birmingham City Council is running a city-wide campaign during Hate Crime Awareness Week from 10 to 17 October to encourage residents to report incidents and access support services.
Working with West Midlands Police and community organisations, the council's community cohesion team will take the campaign directly into neighbourhoods through a dedicated roadshow and community engagement programme. The campaign message is: Stop Hate Crime. Report It.
What the campaign aims to do
The week aims to increase awareness of hate crime, encourage victims and witnesses to report incidents, and highlight the support available to those affected. Research shows hate crime remains underreported, with many people unsure what constitutes a hate crime, how to report it, or what support is available.
Councillor Jane Baston, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Communities and Social Justice, said: "Birmingham is proud to be one of the most diverse cities in Europe, and our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Hate crime has no place in our city and no place in our communities.
"Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, regardless of their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. Through Hate Crime Awareness Week, we want to help people understand what hate crime is, how to report it and where to access support. Every report helps build a clearer picture of what is happening in our communities, helps support victims and enables partners to take action."
Roadshow schedule and launch event
The roadshow begins with a launch event outside the Council House on Friday 9 October from 3pm to 5pm, bringing together community safety partners and elected members.
A specially branded digivan will then visit locations across Birmingham throughout the week, with residents able to speak directly with representatives from the council and partner organisations. Visitors will learn how to recognise hate crime, understand reporting options and access information about available support services.
For more information about Hate Crime Awareness Week, residents can visit the council's website or follow their social media channels.
