In Barking and Dagenham, one thing that the council doesn’t stand for is hate towards another person and this week they’re marking National Hate Crime Awareness Week. 

Hate crime is any crime that targets a person because of hostility or prejudice towards that person’s disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender identity.

This year, National Hate Crime Awareness Week runs from Saturday 12 to Saturday 19 October.

Alongside the police and partner organisations, Barking and Dagenham Council is taking a strong stance by stating ‘no to hate’ and encouraging residents to report hate crimes whether they’re a victim or witness.

On Wednesday 16 October from 1pm to 3pm, the council will be holding an event in Barking Town Centre where there will be information stalls from the enforcement team, the police, On Your Side and youth outreach group My Endz.

Later that evening at 6pm, residents can join an On Your Side online session where they will talk about what hate crime is, the impact it can have on victims and communities and how to seek support. 

Residents can book their spot on the course by following this link.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “Addressing hate crime is a priority for the council and our partners year-round. Nobody should suffer it, and we need people to report any incidents. 

“Whether you’re a victim or witness to hate crime, please make sure you report it to the police or the council.”

Residents can report hate crime by heading to the council website.