National Hate Crime Awareness Week

Sutton Council is participating in National Hate Crime Awareness Week.

A hate crime is when someone commits a crime against another person because of their disability, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, religion, or any other perceived difference. 

It doesn’t always include physical violence and can be using offensive language or harassing someone because of who they are.

How can you get involved?

This year there will be two free online events during the awareness week. There will also be information and new signage displayed at different locations across the Borough.

The first event will be held on Monday 12th October and will focus on protecting and supporting people that could be at risk of disability hate crime and cuckooing. Stop Hate UK will provide information on where and how to access support and we will be hearing about how people have been affected by hate crime and cuckooing. Book your place here

The second event will be held on Friday 16th October there will be an online discussion along with a series of short presentations focusing on the joint impact of COVID 19 and BLM on community cohesion using Hate Crimes and Hate Incidents as a barometer of that cohesion. Book your place here

Please feel free to attend our online events and share this information with friends, family and work colleagues.

Leader of the Council, Ruth Dombey said: “Sutton is a great place to live, work and raise a family. We are proud to be one of the safest boroughs in London. 

Along with our partners including the police, fire brigade, schools and voluntary sector, Sutton Council does not tolerate any form of hate crime in our borough and we fully support National Hate Crime Awareness week. 

Everyone should be able to live their lives without fear of discrimination or of becoming a victim of hate crime and we will do everything we can to challenge it in all its forms, raise awareness and encourage victims to report it when it occurs.”

Mike Ainsworth, Director of London Services, Stop Hate UK said: “The COVID crisis has emphasised the importance of community cohesion. Recovery for any community will need to ensure that everyone feels welcome and safe in the borough whether shopping on the High Street or enjoying the nightlife.

Hate crimes and hate incidents are a powerful barometer of community cohesion. Comparing Sutton to other London boroughs and other parts of the UK, we can see that community cohesion is strong - working in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police, Sutton Council, Community Action Sutton and other key partners we want it to stay strong and where possible improve. These events are part of that process.”

Our message is simple – hate is not welcome in Sutton, let’s stand together and make Sutton a safe place for everyone.

Stop Hate UK

Stop Hate UK is one of the leading national organisations working to challenge all forms of Hate Crime and discrimination, based on any aspect of an individual’s identity. Stop Hate UK provides independent, confidential and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties.

Sutton Council commission Stop Hate's 24-hour free third party reporting line in Sutton, please call the freephone number 0800 138 1625.