Stark warning over hate crime.

St.Helens Council has sent out a stark warning that it will not tolerate any form of hate crime to coincide with World Mental Health Day 10th October.

Hate Crime is any offence or incident committed against individuals, groups and communities because of who they are.  Victims of hate crime are often reluctant to report crimes committed against them, due to embarrassment.

Says Councillor Sue Murphy, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Safer Communities and Youth said:  “Hate Crime is different to other types of crime because it is motivated by prejudice, creates tensions, and damages communities. There is a general duty placed on courts to treat hate crime offences more robustly than other types of crime due to the effect it can have on victims. Research has shown that hate crimes cause greater psychological harm than similar crimes that are not motivated through prejudice.

Incidents of hate crime remain low in St.Helens when compared to other areas in Merseyside. But Merseyside Police, and St.Helens Community Safety Partnership are urging victims of hate crime to come forward and report the crime.

Stop Hate UK is a charity that provides independent and confidential support to people affected by Hate Crime. Stop Hate UK is being funded by St.Helens Council and is fully supported by the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) to provide 24-hour support to victims of hate crime.

The People's Choice team have also produced a CD which people can buy for £3.00 called The Gang. For further details ring Laverne on 01744 613853.

There are a number of ways you can contact Stop Hate UK:
-    On the phone: 0800 138 1625
-    Online at www.stophateuk.org/talk
-    In an email: talk@stophateuk.org
-    Via instant messaging
-    In a text: 07717 989 025
-    In the post: Stop Hate UK, PO Box 484, LS7 9BZ