D&C police raise awareness of hate crime at pride events

'Don't suffer in silence'

Devon & Cornwall Police officers have been attending pride events in Torbay and Teignmouth to connect with people there and raise awareness of hate crime and hate incidents.

A hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice, based on a person's disability or perceived disability; race or perceived race; religion or perceived religion; sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation; transgender identity or perceived transgender identity.

Local neighbourhood officers were joined by the diverse communities team at the Pride events. Police Constable Ruth Lee said: “The events were well attended by people of all ages from various backgrounds.

"It’s important that our police officers are visible at these events. Not only to engage with the public, but to listen to issues our communities are facing and what they need from their local policing team. It’s also a vital opportunity for us to open up a conversation about hate crime; discussing what it is, understanding the real-life impacts of being a victim, raising awareness of the support available for victims, and how to report it to the police”.

“We had some really great conversations with people during the event. One of the key messages that we wanted to get across was that you don’t have to suffer in silence if you have been a victim of hate crime in any form. You matter to us, and what happened to you matters. So, if you feel able to, please do come forward and report it to us. We are here for you.”