Victims of hate crime in North Yorkshire offered more support

A special event is being held next week for anyone who has been affected by or is worried about becoming a victim of hate crime.

The drop in event, which is being held as part of National Hate Crime Awareness Week is on Wednesday 13 October at Northallerton Town Hall from 10am to 1pm.

It is being organised by Mencap and supported by the Safer Hambleton Hub.

The event aims to promote the ‘active bystander’ approach where people are encouraged when safe to do so, to step in to help a person they see in need or by calling for help.

“These crimes need to be talked about – victims should not simply put up with them because they are believed to be different,” said Sue Lear, Development Manager at Northallerton and the Dales Mencap Society.

“There will be a host of organisations at the event highlighting how they can help. People can talk to our partners at the event who can advise on the support available, crime prevention techniques as well as give advice on reporting these crimes.

“We know through national and local research that hate crime is under reported, victims will anecdotally tell us that incidents have happened but that they don’t report them because it’s something they put up with.

“We want to be clear through this event that nobody has to put up with being a victim of hate crime and if you are targeted police and other organisations will take action.  These crimes will be investigated, and support is available. 

I encourage everyone who has been or is worried about being a victim to come and talk to us.”

Organisations at the event:

Northallerton and the Dales Mencap Society, Safer Hambleton Hub, North Yorkshire Police, Victim Support, Citizens Advice, North Yorkshire Living Well Team, North Yorkshire Safe Places, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Hambleton Community Action, A1 Community Works, Northallerton Street Angels and Disability Action Yorkshire.