Saturday evening marked the national Hate Crime Vigil for Hate Crime Awareness Week which took place at Forbury Gardens, hosted by Support U.
This year we teamed up with Jamie Wake, and ACRE (Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality) to deliver a range of guest speakers to mark an important time for all the diverse communities across Reading.
The Hate Crime Vigil was an initiative established by the 17-24-30 organisation which represents the dates that the three London nail bombs were planted, 17th April & Brixton Market, Brixton, 24th April & Brick Lane and the 30th April & the Admiral Duncan, Soho.
Alarming Statistics
This week it was reported that nationally the number of reported cases of hate crime has increased by 18% since the previous year. As part of this increase, the number of homophobic hate crime also saw a national increase of 22%.
How do I report a Hate Crime?
If you or someone you know think ís they have been the victim of a hate crime then it is important that it gets reported to the police so it can be investigated and possibly stopped from happening to someone else.
Police ñ In an emergency call 999 or non-emergency 101.
Crime Stoppers – 0800 555 111
Stop Hate UK – Helpline 0800 138 1625
(LGBT Helpline 0808 801 0661)