As part of the ongoing effort to tackle and deter hate-related crime across North Yorkshire and the City of York, community partners are coming together for National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2025 (11-18 October).
Coordinated by North Yorkshire Council with support from City of York Council, the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and North Yorkshire Police, a range of activities will be held to increase awareness and understanding of crimes linked to victims’ race, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender including misogyny.
Jo Coles, York and North Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime said:
“Hate and discrimination single people out simply for being perceived as different and stops people feeling safe. Most people in York and North Yorkshire treat other people with the courtesy and respect everyone deserves.
“Following the recent targeting of a takeaway restaurant with racist graffiti, members of the community helped support the victims and clean up the graffiti. They are the best of us; supporting businesses and victims and showing that our communities are stronger than the hate from a small group.
“David Skaith, the Mayor, and I are committed to making sure that everyone in York and North Yorkshire is safe and feels safe.
“Thankfully, hate crimes are rare but they do often go unreported and it’s really important that anyone who experiences hate in our community feels confident to come forward to the police, either through 999 in an emergency, through 101 or the online reporting form.”
Chief Superintendent Fiona Willey, Head of Local Policing and Contact at North Yorkshire Police, and chair of the North Yorkshire Community Safety Partnership, said:
“We are committed to raising awareness of how to report hate crime effectively, ensuring that victims and communities have the best possible chance of seeing offenders brought to justice.
“We will also be highlighting the vital work of organisations and groups that provide specialist support to victims and their families – recognising the strength it takes to seek help and the importance of knowing where to turn.
“Our message to anyone affected by hate crime is clear: You are not alone. We are here for you, and we urge you never to suffer in silence.”
Central to this year’s campaign is the York and North Yorkshire Hate Crime Conference, taking place in York on Wednesday 15 October.
The event is fully booked, with 130 attendees coming together to hear from expert speakers and explore a range of informative stalls.
A key milestone at the conference will be the launch of the York and North Yorkshire Hate Crime and Community Cohesion Plan on a Page 2025–28, which sets out our shared vision and commitment to tackling hate crime and fostering safer, more inclusive communities.
In addition, three webinars will be available for staff, focusing on Antisemitism, the Incel Subculture, and Violence Against Women and Girls – with a particular emphasis on misogyny and sexism.
Further events include a MENCAP session at Northallerton Town Hall on Monday 13 October (10am–1pm), dedicated training for Hate Crime Champions in Harrogate on Tuesday 14 October, and the Scarborough Neighbourhood Policing Team and North Yorkshire Council colleagues are hosting a Freedom and Respect Day at Alma Square to unite the different communities living there on Saturday 18 October.
Chief Supt Willey said:
“This programme reflects our collective determination to stand against hate in all its forms and to support those affected with compassion, courage, and action.”
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for corporate services, Cllr Heather Phillips, whose responsibilities include community safety, said:
“North Yorkshire is renowned as a warm and welcoming place. However, while we celebrate these qualities, we must not become complacent.
“Hate crime, in any form, threatens people’s safety and undermines the inclusive values we hold dear.
“Hate Crime Awareness Week is a vital reminder that we all have a role to play in standing up to prejudice, supporting victims, and fostering a culture of respect and understanding.
“This conference marks the launch of the York and North Yorkshire Hate Crime and Community Cohesion Plan which will further strengthen our commitment and that of our partners to both tackling this damaging problem and helping build resilience and inclusion within our communities.”
Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Safer Communities at City of York Council, said:
“York is one of the safest cities in the country and we will never stop working for that to continue. We all have a part to play ensuring people continue to feel safe and valued here, and that hate has no place and won’t be tolerated.
“Hate Crime Awareness Week is following the launch of the new ‘Start Safe, Stay Safe’ app on which hate crime can be reported. Help us tackle it and support everyone to feel safe, respected, and able to thrive.”
Hate crime reporting and seeking support
If you are a victim of hate crime or you have information that could help protect others, please make a report via the North Yorkshire Police website. The website also includes detailed guidance about hate crime support services.
You can also make a report by calling 101.
Always call 999 if an emergency response is required to deal with an immediate threat.
Get help with making your report
The charities, groups and organisations outlined below can offer support, advice and ways to report the incident without having to talk directly to the police.
Supporting Victims
You can report hate crime to Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire and they’ll put you in touch with support organisations and explain your options.
Crimestoppers
A national charity with a free online and helpline for reporting crime anonymously.
Community Security Trust (CST)
A charity protecting British Jews from antisemitism and related threats.
Tell MAMA
A national project supporting victims of anti-Muslim hate and monitoring anti-Muslim incidents.
Galop
A national charity providing advice and support to members of the LGBT+ community.
For more information about the activities, please click HERE.