Milton Keynes City Council and Thames Valley Police (TVP) are supporting National Hate Crime Awareness Week (8-15 October) by working with partners to organise a series of hate crime awareness events.
The national week began in 2009 to show solidarity against hate crime following a homophobic murder that took place in Trafalgar Square. The campaign has since grown and is marked nationally to remember victims and raise awareness of all forms of hate crime.
A hate crime is a criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s characteristics such as religion, race, disability, transgender identity or sexual orientation.
Milton Keynes City Council is working with TVP and charity partners, including MK SNAP and Q:Alliance to raise awareness of what hate crime is and how to report it. Events during the awareness week include:
- Women’s experience of hate crime – Monday (10/10, 9am-11am) MK City Council, Civic, 1 Saxon Gate East, MK9 3EJ. Tickets are available for free on Eventbrite.
- Presence at Centre:MK – Thursday (10-2). Experts will be located outside Primark as an opportunity for local people to raise concerns and ask questions about hate crime.
- Presence at Westcroft District Centre – Friday, (3-5) the experts move to Westcroft to discuss hate crime.
The City Council and TVP are also working with schools and MK College to raise awareness of hate crime issues with young people.
“Hate Crime Awareness Week helps us to recognise all forms of hate crime and support those that need it most. I’m proud of the work we’re doing with partners, including Thames Valley police in this area.
“Milton Keynes is a warm and welcoming place for everyone where any form of hate is not tolerated. I’d encourage people to come along to these events to learn more and raise any issues they have.”