Campaign to beat hate crime epidemic
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to tackle hate crime in Scotland.
The “Hate has no Home in Scotland” initiative aims to increase the understanding and reporting of crimes motivated by hate.
More than 5300 hate crimes were reported in the past year, with many other incidents going unreported.
The campaign will highlight the role of bystanders in speaking out against such crimes and reporting them to police.
The scheme, backed by the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and the Crown Office, launches during Hate Crime Awareness Week and will run until November 26.
Equalities Secretary Angela Constance said: “We all need to play our part to eradicate hate crime, which has no place in Scotland.
“’Hate has no Home’ encourages people to recognise hate crime and report it, stopping this discrimination at its source.
“That is important when people are bystanders – no one should be a passive witness when one of our fellow citizens is attacked because of who they are.”
Chief Superintendent John McKenzie said: “People of all races, religions, ethnicities, of any sexual orientation or with any disability should be able to live their lives free from hate or harassment.
“Hate crime is underreported, so we are asking people not to be bystanders.”