READING Borough Council has redoubled its pledge to tackle hate crimes during Hate Crime Awareness week.
It has committed to fighting hate crime around Reading, following a cited rise in figures in the last twelve months.
It said that disability-based and homophobic offences were seeing the biggest increases.
The council is in active partnership with Thames Valley Police, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue service, and Brighter Futures for Children, as well as the probation service and other organisations.
As the Community Safety partnership, the organisations work to reduce and prevent crime of this kind and support victims.
This year’s events include a public forum planned for November, and a planned strategy to be launched in January.
Hate crime is any crime targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards their race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or identity, or disability.
Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, said:
“It is really important to bring attention to hate crime this week. There is absolutely no place for this behaviour in Reading and Stop Hate UK’s #SpreadLoveNotHate hashtag resonates strongly in Reading.
“Our town is an inclusive place to live where we celebrate the differences between people, and the vast majority of residents treasure that aspect of living in Reading.
“As such it is crucial that the acceptance and tolerance of others shown by the vast majority is not overshadowed by the hateful and small actions of a few.
“We will always work with our partners in ensuring that hate crime is dealt with effectively and robustly when it does rear its ugly head.
“As an integral part of the Community Safety Partnership, Reading Borough Council is committed to continuing to tackle hate crime and to ensure that all of our residents can feel safe and confident in our town wherever they may choose to be”.
The council has also published information about hate crimes and how to combat them.
Firstly, it recommends that for online hate crimes victims resist the urge to respond, as engaging with online hatred can help it to propagate and spread.
It also recommend blocking and reporting those who commit hate crimes online, using the block and report features built into social media platforms.
It recommended moving away from screens and devices to limit the impact that social media comments can have on mental health.
