This week marks National Hate Crime Awareness Week, an opportunity to raise awareness of hate crime, support those affected, and encourage individuals and communities to challenge prejudice wherever it occurs.
Hate crime is any criminal behaviour motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person's race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity. It can take many forms, including verbal abuse, intimidation, harassment, criminal damage, physical assault and online abuse.
The impact of hate crime can be significant, affecting a person's confidence, wellbeing, sense of safety and connection to their community. No one should have to face abuse or discrimination because of who they are.
National Hate Crime Awareness Week encourages us all to play a role in creating safer and more inclusive communities. Whether you have experienced a hate crime yourself or witnessed one happening to someone else, reporting it can help ensure victims receive support and can assist in preventing further incidents.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
For non-emergency incidents, contact the police on 101.
People in Wales can also report hate crime directly to the Wales Hate Support Centre, which is run by Victim Support. The service provides free, confidential and independent support to victims and witnesses of hate crime, whether or not they choose to report the incident to the police.
Key contacts:
What Can You Do?
If you witness a hate crime, remember to stay safe, support the victim where possible, and encourage reporting. Small actions can make a significant difference to someone who has experienced hate or discrimination.
By speaking up, challenging prejudice and supporting those affected, we can all help create communities where everyone feels safe, respected and valued.
There is no place for hate in our communities
Posted on Monday 12th October 2026