The people of Greater Manchester are being asked to make a pledge for Hate Crime Awareness Week in which they promise to stand together against hatred and prejudice.
Greater Manchester residents have already shown their support to end hate crime by featuring in a video reciting the Hate Crime Pledge.
Shared across social media throughout the week, the video calls on people from across the region to sign up to the promise online.
It reads: “I am proud that Greater Manchester is a place where everyone is free to be themselves: where no one should face violence abuse or hatred just because of they are, who they love where there from, what they look like, or what they believe. If I see someone abused like this I won’t stand by.”
By signing up to the promise, people are able to come together and show that hate crime will not be tolerated in Greater Manchester and that we’re united against it.
Chief Superintendent, Paul Savill, GMP’s Head of Local Policing and Criminal Justice, said: “Hate crime destroys lives and divides communities and has no place in Greater Manchester.
“This week of awareness is a powerful example of what can be achieved when we stand together against hatred and discrimination and celebrate the proud diverse region that we live in.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their community and we all have a responsibility to make the changes we want to see.
“If you see it happen, report it. If it is safe to do so, challenge it. This behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Hate Crime Awareness Week launched on Monday, February 4 at the St. Thomas Centre in Ardwick, where the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Bev Hughes, set out the aims of the week.
Throughout the week there will be dozens of activities and events across the region to encourage people to learn more about hate crime and how to tackle it.
A selection of some of the events taking place includes theatre productions in Rochdale, ‘travelling’ to understand different cultures in Chorlton and celebrating the cultural diversity within the borough of Bury.
Councillor Nigel Murphy, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: “It fills me with pride to know that Manchester is a city which embraces people of all walks of life, no matter their religion, skin colour, where they are from or who they wish to love.
“The strength of Manchester has always stemmed from its people and I have faith they will get behind our message of support, challenge and report, and rid our city of the scourge of hate crime.
“Hate crimes are acts of hostility, such as violence or verbal abuse, directed at someone because of who they are.
For example, someone being spat on because they are black, or being called names because they are a Muslim and wear a headscarf, or being beaten up for being gay.”
