Why you should #SayNoToHate

Hate crime can take many forms, such as assault, harassment or abuse. All incidents share one thing in common - victims are targeted for simply being who they are. People can be targeted because of hostility or prejudice towards their race, sexuality, religion, disability or transgender identity, amongst other examples. Hate crime can also take many forms, including on social media.

We have held a number of events over the last month as part of Hate Crime Awareness Week, which provide us with an opportunity to talk to communities and to demonstrate how we support victims of hate crime and hold perpetrators to account. We’ve spoken to people from a wide cross section of the community and would encourage anyone who has been a victim of hate crime to come forward and report incidents.

We know there are people who suffer in silence and don’t feel comfortable reporting hate crime or hate incidents. It’s important to know that if you have been a victim you can speak to the police in confidence and you do not have to provide your personal details. You can phone the police using the non-emergency number 101 or you can report hate crime online through the True Vision website. In an emergency dial 999.

There are lots of other ways to report hate crime, for example the Stop Hate UK website provides confidential and independent hate crime reporting services including a 24 hour helpline. You can also report LGBT hate crime online through the Galop.org website.

Our overall aim is to prevent it from happening in the first place. This can only be achieved by ensuring we create an environment in our communities, schools, workplaces and homes where hate crime is not acceptable and challenge the beliefs and attitudes that can underlie such crimes.

No one should have to tolerate abuse.

In other news, a number of incidents of dog on dog attacks have been reported to the Prevention and Enforcement Service over the last few weeks. Whilst the majority of people living in Peterborough are responsible dog owners, it’s worth bearing in mind that it is the owner’s responsibility to control their dog and if your dog attacks another there could be legal consequences.

The government has introduced new ‘Dog Behaviour Orders’ which means owners can have conditions placed on them to control their dog, and if they breach these they will be prosecuted through the courts.

This is legislation both the police and council will use to improve safety and deal with this issue, so please ensure your dog is under control at all times.

Dogs attacks on people should always be reported to the police, but if your dog is attacked by another dog this can be reported either to police or to the city council on 01733 747474.