People unite to stand against hate crime

THE borough of Rochdale has come together to take a stand against hate crime as part of hate crime awareness week, which runs until February 7.

Rochdale Borough Council alongside Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and other community groups have held awareness raising events across the borough to challenge perceptions, encourage reporting and promote tolerance.

Hate crimes are crimes committed against someone because of their race, religion, disability, trans identity or sexual orientation.

These are the personal characters currently identified by law, however in Greater Manchester hate crimes are also recorded against alternative sub-cultures. Crimes of this nature can include verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, harassment, assault, bullying, or damage to property.

Coun Janet Emsley, cabinet member for a safer and inclusive community, said: “We in Rochdale embrace and celebrate our differences and are willing to stand up against hate.

“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 email community.safety@ rochdale.gov.uk or call 0300 303 8878, in an emergency always dial 999.”

Superintendent Rick Jackson, Greater Manchester Police’s tactical lead on hate crime, said: “Throughout the pandemic, we have seen our communities supporting each other through challenging times. This is what Greater Manchester is known for, and hate and intolerance threatens that cohesion.

“Everyone that makes up the diverse population of Greater Manchester should have the right to live their lives free from hate and discrimination, and making that happen remains a priority for Greater Manchester Police.

Events in Rochdale include; a Zoom meeting to talk about hate crime, with special guest speakers, organised by Rochdale Safer Communities Partnership and an awareness raising webinar led by the Asian Mens LGBTQ+ group.

For information on Hate Crime Awareness Week and local events taking part across Greater Manchester go to letsendhatecrime. com/events