Council and police force show 'solidarity' for Hate Crime Awareness Week
Milton Keynes City Council are working with Thames Valley Police for this latest national campaign
Milton Keynes City Council and Thames Valley Police are working together - in a show of solidarity against hate crimes.
Yesterday marked the start of National Hate Crime Awareness Week, a campaign encouraging local authorities - which includes governments, police forces and councils - to join forces to help tackle the issue.
It's happening between the 8th and 15th of October - with our local authorities running a number of events across the week to get more of the community engaged and aware of the impact hate crimes can have.
The week has been running since 2009 - as a show of solidarity against a homophobic murder which happened at Trafalgar Square.
Since then, it's grown into a national campaign to raise awareness of all forms of hate crimes - which are a criminal offence.
That includes hostility or prejudice because of a person's religion, race, disability, transgender identity, or sexual orientation.
Cllr Jennifer Wilson-Marklew, cabinet member with responsibility for community safety, said: “Hate Crime Awareness Week helps us to recognise all forms of hate crime and support those that need it most. I’m proud of the work we’re doing with partners, including Thames Valley police in this area.
“Milton Keynes is a warm and welcoming place for everyone where any form of hate is not tolerated. I’d encourage people to come along to these events to learn more and raise any issues they have.”
Awareness-raising events this week
- Monday (October 10): Exploring women's experience of hate crime - at Milton Keynes City Council building, from 9am and 11am. Free ticket link on the Council's website
- Thursday (October 13): Centre:MK - experts will be at the MK1 Shopping Park outside Primark between 10am and 2pm, with the chance for local people to ask questions about hate crimes
- Friday (October 14): Westcroft District Centre - experts will be at the centre between 3pm and 5pm, with the chance for local people to ask questions about hate crimes
Along with the police, Milton Keynes City Council are also working with a number of charity partners and schools across the week.
You can find out more about the week - just head to the Milton Keynes City Council website.