Sign up if you hate-hate crime

Residents urged to stop hate ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day

Residents are being urged to show their contempt for hate crime - by signing an online pledge.

As Holocaust Memorial Day (27 January) approaches, the St.Helens Community Safety Partnership wants to see as many people as possible using the opportunity to challenge discrimination and the language of hatred - and commit to using words reflecting the dignity of others.

To make your feelings known simply go to http://www.speakupnow.org.uk and sign the pledge.

Cabinet Member for Family Intervention and Safer Communities Councillor Sue Murphy said: "Holocaust Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to learn from the past for a better future.

"Hate crime is any offence or incident committed against individuals, groups and communities because of who they are.  Yet victims are often reluctant or too embarrassed to report the crime. Tackling hate crime is a priority for us, and we've established several ways to report incidents, such as through Merseyside Police and Stop Hate UK."

There are fewer hate crime incidents in St.Helens compared with other areas in Merseyside. But Merseyside Police and the St.Helens Community Safety Partnership are urging all victims to come forward and report the crime.

Hate crime can be reported to Merseyside Police on 999 (emergency), 101 (non-emergency) or online.

Stop Hate UK is a charity that provides independent and confidential support to people affected by hate crime. It's 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.

There are several way to contact Stop Hate UK
· By phone - 0800 138 1625
· Online at www.stophateuk.org/talk
· By email  - [email protected]
· Via instant messaging
· By text 07717 989025
· By post: Stop Hate UK, PO Box 484, LS7 9BZ