Leeds Rhinos Foundation backs city-wide campaign to take a stand against Hate Crime

From 11 October-15 October, Leeds Rhinos Foundation is joining forces with Leeds City Council and other partners from across the city to highlight the importance of tackling hate crime and the array of support that is available to help victims.

A range of events and activities will be held across Leeds this week as part of National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2021, a dedicated week of action which aims to encourage local authorities, key partners and communities affected by hate crime to work together to tackle local issues.

Headlining the week’s events is a Hate Crime conference, with organisations including United Response, West Yorkshire Police and Safer Leeds coming together with stakeholders across the city to discuss how Leeds can take a stand against hate crime.

To support this work over the week, a special exhibition bus will be available at different locations across Leeds, where West Yorkshire Police will work alongside members of the council’s Safer Leeds team will offer expert advice and support. The bus will be at White Rose Shopping Centre on Thursday 14 October from 10am-4pm.

There will also be a series of events, both online and in-person, showing the cities commitment to supporting victims and tackling hate crime, including a Hate Crime Question Time and various sessions led by partners from across the city, with people encouraged to support the campaign by using #LeedsNoPlaceForHate on their social media posts.

Councilor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council executive member with responsibility for Safer Leeds, said:

“Hate Crime is something that absolutely will not be tolerated in Leeds, the devastation it causes victims and their families is appalling.  Leeds is a diverse and welcoming city and we are determined that victims of hate crime are fully supported, with those who engage in this type of behaviour facing consequences for their actions.

“Hate Crime Awareness Week provides us with an opportunity to further engage with the people of Leeds regarding the work that is being undertaken on this issue. Working with partners in the city including the police, we have put together a programme of activities and events in the week where residents can receive advice, support, and information on how to report any incident.

“We would urge anyone who experiences hate crime to please contact the police, council, or Stop Hate UK as soon as possible. There are many ways to report an incident in Leeds and you can be assured that you will be listened to and that your case will be investigated both properly and thoroughly.”

To find out the different ways you can report a hate crime or hate incident and where you can get help visit: bit.ly/LeedsHateCrime or for more information regarding tackling hate crimes and hate incidents visit: bit.ly/WYPHateCrime

Reporting a hate crime:

A hate crime is defined as a crime which is committed against someone due to their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.

To report a hate crime, you can telephone West Yorkshire Police on 101 or in an Emergency 999 or the Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team on (0113) 222 4402 or email at LASBT@leeds.gov.uk. The national organisation Stop Hate UK can be contacted on 800 138 1625, by text to 07717 989025 or via talk@stophateuk.org or by downloading the Stop Hate UK APP. For a full list of Leeds City Council Reporting Centre’s, please see: www.leeds.gov.uk/saferleeds/report-a-hate-incident

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