Rochdale comes together for Greater Manchester hate crime awareness week
It is hoped that the events, such as an online talking group, a magazine and creative arts project, will challenge perceptions, encourage reporting of hate crimes and promote tolerance
The borough of Rochdale is taking a stand against hate crime as part of Greater Manchester hate crime awareness week.
Rochdale Borough Council, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and community groups are joining forces to hold events for the week which runs from February 7-13.
It is hoped that the events, such as an online talking group, a magazine and creative arts project, will challenge perceptions, encourage reporting of hate crimes and promote tolerance.
Hate crimes are crimes committed against someone or a group of people because of their personal characteristics, which are protected by law, and Greater Manchester also records hate crimes against alternative subcultures.
Crimes of this nature can include verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, harassment, assault, bullying, damage to property.
Councillor Susan Smith, cabinet member for communities and cooperation, said: “We in Rochdale embrace and celebrate our differences and are willing to stand up against all forms of hate.
"Throughout the pandemic, we have seen our communities supporting each other through challenging times. Cooperation is what Rochdale is known for, and hate and intolerance threatens that cohesion.
“Everyone that makes up the diverse population of Rochdale should have the right to live their lives free from hate and discrimination.
"Hate crime awareness week encourages people to support victims of hate crime, to challenge their abuser if it is safe, and to report it. In Rochdale you can, www.report-it.org.uk/ or ring 101 or in an emergency always dial 999.”
To mark the week, Rochdale Borough Council in conjunction with Greater Manchester Combined Authority have supported partners who engage local people to promote the prevention and reporting of hate crime.
Events taking place include, an online session mainly aimed at men, exploring the role that they can play to support women on issues of gender based violence and misogyny, and helping men understand sexual harassment and abuse against women.
There will also be a magazine distributed to disabled people across the borough that focuses on hate crime and mate crime, which is a crime by someone in a position of trust against a vulnerable individual.
A creative arts project will take place, working with young people from LGBTQ+ and an alternative sub culture background to raise awareness of hate crime and there will be an event working with asylum seekers and refugees.
Alongside this, there will be GMP information stalls across the borough where officers will engage with the public and hand out literature and merchandise to signpost people where to go for services and support.
Inspector Paul Mason, of GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “Hate crime can have a devastating impact on victims, as well as additionally effecting the wider Rochdale community, which is why our officers are working hard alongside local partners such as Rochdale Borough Council, to engage with local residents to ensure they know what a hate crime is, how to report and what support is available to them.
“We want Rochdale to be safe place for everyone, regardless of their faith or background.
“If you've been a victim or a witness of hate, I would encourage you to report it to Greater Manchester Police on '101' or visit www.letsendhatecrime.com to report or receive help and support.”
For more information on Hate Crime Awareness Week 2022 and local events taking part across Greater Manchester go to www.letsendhatecrime.com.
