Hate Crime Awareness Week roadshow tours Birmingham

A roadshow is touring Birmingham this week to encourage people to report hate crime, as the city marks Hate Crime Awareness Week from 10 to 17 October.

Birmingham City Council's community cohesion team is working with the police and community organisations to take the campaign into neighbourhoods across the city. A specially branded digivan is visiting communities, giving out information, pointing residents towards support services and encouraging conversations about the impact of hate crime.

The campaign carries a simple message: Stop Hate Crime. Report It.

The roadshow began with a launch event outside the Council House on Friday 9 October, bringing together community safety partners and councillors. Residents can speak directly to council staff and partner organisations about recognising hate crime, how to report it and what support is available.

"Hate crime has no place in our city"

Councillor Jane Baston, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Communities and Social Justice, said: "Birmingham is proud to be one of the most diverse cities in Europe, and our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Hate crime has no place in our city and no place in our communities."

"Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, regardless of their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity," she said. "We know that many incidents go unreported. Every report helps build a clearer picture of what is happening in our communities, helps support victims and enables partners to take action."

Why reporting matters

The council says research consistently shows that hate crime is under-reported. Many people are unsure what counts as a hate crime, how to report it or what support exists. The campaign aims to break down those barriers by bringing information into local communities.

What is a hate crime?

Police and prosecutors treat a crime as a hate crime when the victim, or anyone else, believes it was motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone's race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity. It can include:

• physical attacks, threats and harassment;
• abuse shouted in the street, on public transport or online;
• damage to homes, cars or places of worship, and offensive graffiti;
• offensive leaflets, posters or messages.

Incidents that are not crimes, such as name-calling, can still be reported. They are recorded as hate incidents, and they help police and councils understand where problems are building.

How to report it

• In an emergency, or if someone is in danger, call 999.
• Otherwise, call 101 or use Live Chat on the police website.
• Report online through True Vision, the national police reporting site.
• Use a third-party reporting centre if you would rather not speak to the police directly.
• Give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Victims can get free, confidential support whether or not they report to the police. Details of support services are available from the council during the week, and on its website and social media channels.