A new report has revealed hate crime is on the rise in England and Wales.
The Office for National Statistics has released data showing a 9% increase in hate crimes against protected groups in the year ending March 2021.
Crimes motivated by race showed the largest increase, up 12% from 2020 to 2021.
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Crimes targeting people based on sexual orientation, transgender identity and disability also saw significant increases, while hate crimes targeting religious groups declines for a second consecutive year.
The increases are believed to be due to better recording methods by police forces, greater awareness on the part of victims and the public, and also spikes in numbers of hate crimes following certain events.
Local authorities in Merseyside are taking action to raise awareness of hate crime in the region.
Sefton Council, along with a range of partners, are hosting events supporting National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which takes place from Saturday, October 9 to Saturday, October 16.
These events include delivering hate crime awareness training to students in schools across Sefton, working with Merseyside Police on a targeted leaflet drop in key hot spot areas to increase vigilance and launching a social media campaign to signpost hate crime survivors towards support available in the region.
A spokesperson from Sefton Council said: "We want to do everything we can to send the message out that hate crime will not be tolerated in Sefton and to give people the confidence to report abuse and not suffer in silence.
"It's really important that people know about the various ways a hate crime can be reported in Sefton; whether it be by contacting the police directly, via the independent charity Stop Hate UK or at one of the many reporting centres across the Borough. Victims and witnesses will be supported to report hate crime and to receive advice and support."
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell added: “National Hate Crime Awareness Week is an important date in the calendar for me. It gives us all the opportunity to celebrate and promote the rich diversity of our communities, while coming together to reaffirm and renew our commitment to challenging and tackling all acts of hatred and prejudice.
“At a time when our country sadly still feels quite divided and, in the wake of a recent increase in incidents of hate crime, it is more important than ever that we remain vigilant to combat discrimination, abuse and prejudice.
“Let me make it clear, crimes motivated by hate have no place in our society.
“I’m pleased to be working with partners and communities across the region to send out the message – loud and clear – that our region is diverse, it is inclusive and it is welcoming. Those who look to spread and breed hatred are have no place here.”
Everyone has a role in tackling hate crime and eliminating it from society. If you have witnessed a hate crime, or have any information, please contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre. You can also call 101.
If, for any reason, you do not wish to the report to the police, Stop Hate UK will ensure you get the appropriate emotional and practical support. They offer a free, confident and accessible 24/7 reporting service for all victims of hate crime, including multi-lingual reporting, the Stop Hate UK app, phone line 0800 138 1625 and webchat www.stophateuk.org.
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