Joint statement issued by Somerset Council, Avon and Somerset Police and Stand Against Racism & Inequality (SARI).
National Hate Crime Awareness Week (10-17 October) is an opportunity for us to come together as partners and communities to stand against all forms of hate and prejudice, support those affected, and encourage everyone to report hate incidents and hate crimes.
National Hate Crime Awareness Week promotes a collective commitment to ensuring there is No Place for Hate in our communities and aims to bring together public services, voluntary organisations and local people to create safer, more inclusive places for everyone.
Across Somerset, we are united in our message that hate has no place in our communities. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and valued, regardless of their disability, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are.
Hate incidents and hate crimes can have a devastating impact on individuals, families and wider communities. They can take many forms, including verbal abuse, threatening behaviour, online abuse, criminal damage, harassment, and physical assault. When motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a protected characteristic, these behaviours can cause lasting harm and create fear within communities.
We encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses a hate incident or hate crime to report it. Reporting helps victims access support, assists agencies in understanding the extent of hate crime locally, and enables appropriate action to be taken.
Reports can be made directly to Avon and Somerset Police online, by calling 101, or by calling 999 in an emergency. You can also report it in person at a police station.
Support is also available through specialist services, including Stand Against Racism & Inequality (SARI), Somerset’s hate crime support service. SARI provides free casework support for victims of hate crime, including victims who have been targeted based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion or gender identity.
This week is also about solidarity. We stand with all those who have been affected by hate and discrimination. We recognise the courage it can take to come forward, and we want victims and witnesses to know that they will be listened to, supported and taken seriously.
Together, we are committed to raising awareness, encouraging reporting, supporting victims, strengthening community cohesion and fostering understanding between people from all backgrounds. By working collectively, we can challenge prejudice, celebrate diversity and commit to making Somerset a safe, welcoming and inclusive place for everyone.
During National Hate Crime Awareness Week, we invite everyone to join us in taking a stand against hate, showing support for those affected, and helping to build safer, stronger and more inclusive communities for all.
