Hate Crime Awareness Week - "we will not tolerate hate in Oldham"

Victims and witnesses of hate crime across Oldham are being urged to come forward and seek support this Hate Crime Awareness Week.

Oldham Council is working with local groups and organisations to run sessions throughout the week (October 9-16); to support people in reporting a hate crime and accessing the support they need. 

Sessions on the implications of hate and the effects it can have on a person’s life will also be running, with the aim being to educate and deter anyone from committing these crimes in future. 

Greater Manchester Police will be running pop-up sessions across the borough too, with local Police Community Support Officers on hand to have face-to-face discussions with members of the public about hate they may have suffered. 

Residents are encouraged to share the council’s social media campaign throughout the week which will spread important messages around hate crime and the stories of those who have been affected by it as the council can encourage others to make a stand – or seek support if they need it.

Leader of Oldham Council, Councillor Arooj Shah, said: “We all have the right to go about our lives without the fear of being abused, threatened or attacked just because of who we are. 

“Sadly, however, we know some individuals ruin the lives of others by inflicting hate. 

“That is why we are taking part in a national week of action to address this issue – to stand up and say we will not tolerate hate in Oldham. 

“Being on the receiving end of hateful abuse can be a deeply traumatic experience and can have a huge impact on your life, so it is easy to understand why some people feel they cannot report it. 

“Let’s not allow hate to divide us.

"We stand together.” 

Eric Noi, of Oldham Boxing and Personal Development Centre, added: “Hate has no place in Oldham, so I am very keen to support the council’s efforts in raising awareness around this sheer act of cruelty. 

“I still struggle to understand why some people think it is still okay to treat others differently just because of who they are, which is why I am passionate about educating local people on the impact of hate. 

“People need to understand the implications hate can have on a person’s life and the repercussions that come with it because without this, this issue will sadly continue.” 

Full details on the events taking place in Oldham during the week of action can be found at: www.oldham.gov.uk/HCAW 

Hate crime is an act of violence or hostility that is directed at a person or group because of who they are or what they think they are, and it can come in many different forms such as physical attacks, a threat of attack and verbal abuse or insults. 

It is important to know that anyone can be affected by such incidents, so if you have been affected by a hate crime, even if you’re unsure you have been a victim, call 999 in an emergency.

In a non-emergency call 101 or go to a nearby police station and report it. 

Extra support is available for people who wish not to contact the police or for those who need extra support.  

This can be accessed at the Stop Hate Helpline - 0800 138 1625 - a free confidential 24-hour hate crime reporting service, or by visiting one of Oldham’s various third-party reporting centres which are detailed on our website. 

For more information on hate crime please visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/hatecrime or call the Victim Support Services helpline: 0161 200 1950.

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