HATE HAS NO PLACE IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE

Published 9 October 2026 at 3:16pm

The South Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing and Public Safety is supporting National Hate Crime Awareness Week to raise awareness of hate crime, encourage reporting, and reinforce the message that hate has no place in South Yorkshire.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week (10-17 October 2026) is a UK-wide campaign that brings together police, councils, charities and community organisations to challenge hate crime and support those affected by it.

The week also aims to increase understanding of what constitutes a hate crime and encourage victims and witnesses to report incidents, helping police build a clearer picture of the challenges facing local communities.

Hate crimes are defined as any crimes that are targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards that person’s disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or gender identity. They can have a devastating impact on victims, affecting their confidence, wellbeing and sense of safety. Increasing reporting helps ensure victims receive support and enables agencies to take action against offenders.

Kilvinder Vigursl, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Public Safety, said: “As Equalities Lead for the Mayoral Combined Authority, I regularly engage with people from a wide range of communities across South Yorkshire. Listening to their experiences helps me understand first-hand the impact that hate crimes and incidents can have on people's lives.

“Any victim of crime can experience trauma and a sense of injustice. However, to be targeted because of who you are, what you believe, or because of a characteristic that forms part of your identity is completely unacceptable and has no place in our society. Everyone deserves to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect, and to have the same opportunity to live free from discrimination and prejudice, regardless of their background or identity.

“I am proud to support National Hate Crime Awareness Week because tackling hate crime starts with challenging ignorance and prejudice through greater awareness, understanding and empathy.

"We also know that many victims do not report hate crime. We must address the barriers that prevent people from coming forward and ensure those whose voices are too often unheard feel empowered and supported to report what has happened to them

“Victims need to know that they are not alone, that they will be listened to, and that reports of hate crime will be taken seriously. By encouraging reporting and supporting victims, we can help build safer communities across South Yorkshire where everyone feels respected, valued and able to live free from hate. My experience of visiting areas in the county is that there is much more good than bad, and we can stand up together to tackle hate, promoting kindness and respect instead.”

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has joined forces with South Yorkshire Police to support activity to encourage reporting of hate crimes and will shortly be launching a range of campaign materials that will be shared across social media and partner channels. This includes short videos aimed at both victims and perpetrators, highlighting that hate crime is never "just banter" and encouraging people to challenge and report hateful behaviour

Anyone who experiences or witnesses a hate crime is encouraged to report it. Reports can be made directly to South Yorkshire Police by calling 101, or anonymously through a third-party reporting centre, or via Crimestoppers. In an emergency, always call 999.

For more information about recognising and reporting hate crime, including a list of third-party reporting centres, visit: https://nationalhcaw.uk/report-hate-crime