Commissioner Supports Hate Crime Awareness Week 2018
As part of the Hate Crime Awareness Week 2018, Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall and will be attending the performance of ‘Feel the Hate’ on the 11th October at Queen Katherine’s Secondary School, Kendal at 9.15am.
Hate crimes are any crimes that are targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards a person’s disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender identity. Hate incidents can often escalate, causing tension within a community and a criminal offences occurring. It is essential that victims feel confident, know that they will be listened to and are able to readily access the relevant local support systems.
‘Feel The Hate’ performances are being delivered in secondary schools across Cumbria during September and October 2018 and this production for young people covers aspects of diversity including Race, Religion, Sexual Orientation and Disability. It also provides the audience with skills and knowledge to better understand what constitutes a Hate Crime and the impact and consequences they can have.
Last year more than 6,000 pupils saw the performance and a member of the audience comments: “I learnt what a hate crime is and how I could personally stop it if I see one happening. I also learnt that you can be punished for committing a hate crime. The stories in the performance were very powerful and got the message across really well”. Click to access Cumbria Constabulary’s ‘Reporting Hate Crime booklet’
Peter McCall comments: “In tackling crime, anti-social behaviour and making Cumbria even safer, it is critical to address hate crime and make it clear that it will not be tolerated.
“By being proactive in tackling anti-social behaviour and raising awareness, we can make sure everyone knows what a hate crime is. The impact it can have on our communities is huge and we all need to work together to help prevent hate crimes from happening in the future.
“One of my priorities pledged in the Council Tax consultation, was to improve and make it easier to report crime and anti-social behaviour and we are working with local community groups, the Police and partner agencies to make sure this happens.”
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