Standing together against hate crime
A community vigil is being held on Wednesday 16 October to mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week.
The eighth Brighton & Hove Solidarity Vigil, organised by the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum (LGBT CSF), starts at 6pm outside the Rainbow Hub, 93 St James's Street, Brighton BN2 1TP.
Raising awareness of hate crime
Hate Crime Awareness Week has been established as the week people around the globe organise events to show support to people affected by hate crime.
The aim is to raise awareness of what a hate crime is, encourage reporting and promote local support services and resources.
Speakers include community organisations across the city such as the Racial Harassment Forum, Possability People, the Network of International Women and the Rainbow Hub involved in supporting victims of hate crime and challenge the narratives that can encourage hate.
Councillor Amanda Grimshaw, the council’s lead member for equalities, will also be speaking at the vigil.
Councillor Grimshaw said: “It’s important to stand together against all forms of hate and do all we can to make sure people are confident about reporting incidents.
“Brighton & Hove is a vibrant and diverse city. We do not and will never tolerate any hate incidents in our city.
“We know that there has been a rise in hate crimes since the EU referendum. If you’ve experienced any form of anti-social behaviour or hate incident, please do report it. We will always take it seriously.”
Join the vigil
Billie Lewes, Chair of the LGBT CSF said: “We would invite you to join us, outside the Rainbow Hub to show some community solidarity and to support each other in challenging extremism and hate speech of all kinds!
“Bring a torch, candle, drum or a whistle and share some love and light during our two minutes noise to remember those affected by Hate Crime.
“No matter what community you are from, or feel you are part of, come and share a community moment together, all are welcome and there will be hot drinks to keep us all warm.”
Reporting anti-social behaviour and hate crime
Everyone in Brighton & Hove has a right to feel safe.
Our community safety team works closely with the police and our communities to prevent anti-social behaviour and hate incidents and support people affected.
If you have been a victim of a hate incident, our community safety team are here to support you and provide advice. You can contact our team by:
- emailing communitysafety.casework@brighton-hove.gov.uk
- calling 01273 292 735 - in an emergency, always call the police on 999
- using our online anti-social behaviour and hate incident reporting form
You can also report hate incidents to Sussex Police or call them on 101 if it’s not an emergency.