The Bradford Council, in collaboration with partner organisations such as the Bradford Hate Crime Alliance, the police, and Bradford Cathedral, has organised a comprehensive schedule of events, activities, and training sessions to observe Hate Crime Awareness Week (14-21 October).
Notable events include a Service of Hope and Remembrance at Bradford Cathedral on Monday, 16 October; an LGBTQ+ Zine Making Workshop in Saltaire; an information booth at the Broadway Centre hosted by Bradford Hate Crime Alliance, with support from the police, Victim Support, and Restorative Justice; an awareness booth managed by Mary Street Residents focusing on Gypsy and Traveller traditions; and an online training session on ‘Incels, Misogyny and the Manosphere’.
The complete programme can be accessed here – Hate-Crime-Awareness-Week-Programme-2023-Final.pdf (bradfordforeveryone.co.uk)
Cllr Abdul Jabar, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said: “This is a very full and varied programme and a great reflection of how the council and its partners work together to raise awareness and strive to educate people about Hate Crime and promote better understanding across all our communities. I hope these events receive the support they deserve.”
A Hate Crime, jointly defined by the police and Crown Prosecution Service, is described as ‘any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice, based on a person’s disability or perceived disability; race or perceived race; or religion or perceived religion; or sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, or transgender identity or perceived transgender identity.’
Recent statistics indicate that reports of Hate incidents in the Bradford District have witnessed a decrease of -1.28 percent between 2021-22 and 2022-23, and a -3.62 percent reduction for the 12 months leading up to May 2023. This mirrors the trend observed in West Yorkshire overall, which has seen a -6.9 percent reduction over the same period.
It is acknowledged that local partners are actively involved in initiatives aimed at enhancing awareness of hate crimes, ensuring that everyone comprehends what constitutes a hate crime, and how to report such incidents, with ongoing endeavours to tackle underreporting.
The Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police, and Bradford Hate Crime Alliance are all involved in a variety of projects and training sessions to promote awareness of Hate Crime, as well as supporting awareness days throughout the year.
Individuals wishing to report a Hate Crime should reach out to West Yorkshire Police at 101, but in case of an emergency, always dial 999.
Many Hate Crimes go unreported, and 24 Hate Crime Reporting Centres have been established with trained personnel so individuals can report incidents without directly contacting the police. Those using these centres are not obligated to provide their personal information. Report centres can be located here – Visit one of our BHCA centres – Bradford Hate Crime Alliance. Additionally, there is an app available for reporting Hate Crime – https://bradfordhatecrimealliance.com/listen-bradford-app/
