Sussex Police will be taking part in National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which begins today, Saturday, 11 October.
The campaign aims to highlight what constitutes a hate crime and encourage victims to report abuse. Hate crimes are offences motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, transgender identity, or any other perceived difference.
Throughout the week, policing teams across Sussex will work with partner agencies, schools and universities to raise awareness and support victims. Officers will hold talks and community events to ensure people know how to recognise and report hate crime.
Chief Superintendent Nick Dias, force lead for Hate Crime, said: “We work extremely hard as a force to raise awareness of what hate crime is, and to give victims the confidence to come forward to report it.
“We understand the huge impact it can have on individual victims and wider communities across Sussex and in the country. There have been recent incidents both locally and nationally which have caused concern.
“It’s vital that hate crimes and incidents of that nature are reported so that we can support those affected and look to bring the offenders to justice.
“Throughout the week, we are working with our partners and holding events where you can come and talk to us and find out more about the work we’re doing. But our work doesn’t stop there, we are here all year round to help keep the community safe.
“You can find where we will be and when on our social media channels so if you have any questions across the week, feel free to chat to our officers in your town or city.
“Our message is clear: Sussex Police takes a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and there is no place for hate and division in our county.”
Information about where officers will be based can be found on Sussex Police’s social media channels.
Victims of hate crime can report incidents online or by calling 101, and should always dial 999 in an emergency. Further support is available through Safe Space Sussex and on the Sussex Police website.
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