Taking a stand against hate crime

We’re supporting National Hate Crime Awareness Week to send out a message that hate crime will not be tolerated in our city. If this happens to you, please report it.

A hate crime covers a range of criminal behaviour motivated by prejudice towards a person’s gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or trans identity.

Hate Crime Awareness Week runs from 10-17 October this year. It's 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. 

The benefits of reporting

In the year from September 2019 to August 2020, Sussex Police received 1,126 reports of hate crimes and incidents in the city. More than 600 of these were racist incidents and nearly 300 were homophobic.

Local research shows us that if someone reporting an incident is treated with respect, taken seriously, and is asked what they would like to happen and clear about what action will be taken, the level of harm they feel can often reduce immediately.

Reporting sets an example that hate crime is not acceptable. It helps build an accurate local intelligence picture and can help prevent repeat offending.

We’re also running a fully booked pilot ‘Upstanders Network’ online workshop focussing on what people can do if they witness a hate incident and how to stand against hate.  

The Upstanders Network brings a range of diverse community groups and services together and will continue to work together to raise awareness and stand against hate throughout the year.

Standing together against all forms of hate

Councillor Steph Powell, joint chair of the Tourism Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee, said:

“It’s distressing to see so many reports of hate crime and incidents in the city. Hate Crime Awareness Week is an opportunity to sends an important message to say firmly that united we stand together against all forms of hate. 

“Brighton & Hove is a vibrant and diverse city. We do not - and will never - tolerate any hate incidents in our city.

“Our Community Safety Team work closely with Sussex Police to make sure people are confident about reporting incidents.

“If you’ve experienced any form of anti-social behaviour or hate incident, please do report it. We will always take it seriously.”

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:

You can also report hate incidents to Sussex Police or call them on 101 if it’s not an emergency. 

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