Last month I was invited to speak at the Durham Pride annual meeting. This was the 4th year I have had the pleasure of addressing the large crowds gathered on The Sands in Durham to celebrate ‘Pride’.
Pride is more than a parade or festival, it is a powerful reminder to us all of the strength and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.
There was a time, not so long ago when being LGBTQ+ meant living in fear. Fear of rejection, fear of discrimination, fear of violence and fear of criminalisation.
People felt they had to hide who they were or deny who they loved for fear of the consequences. And in too many parts of the world – even in corners of our own communities – that fear has not gone, in fact I am saddened to say it appears to be on the rise.
As your Police and Crime Commissioner I am committed to protecting and upholding the rights of every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Discrimination and hate have no place in our communities, and it is our duty to ensure that everyone feels safe, valued and respected.
Understanding Hate Crime
What is hate crime? Hate crime is any criminal offence perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person’s protected characteristics. It can include verbal abuse, physical assault, threatening behaviour, online abuse, damage to property, or harassment. Hate crimes can take place anywhere — on the street, in schools, at work or online.
Preventing and Deterring Hate Crime
Local authorities, police, schools, and community groups are committed to working together to create safe, respectful, and welcoming environments. One of the ways of achieving this is by raising awareness about the consequences of hate crime, both for victims and perpetrators, this information can act as a powerful deterrent.
Reporting Hate Crime
I don’t want anyone to feel they have to suffer in silence, so I want to encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses hate crime to have the confidence to report it to the police.
This is one of the most important steps in tackling hate crime. Sadly, many incidents still go unreported, because victims and witnesses fear they won’t be taken seriously, or they fear retaliation. But every report helps us build a picture of the problem and enables us to take action against the perpetrators.
If you’re a victim or witness of a hate crime, you can report it in several ways:
- Call 999 in an emergency or if someone is in immediate danger.
- Call 101 to report non-emergency hate crimes to the police.
- Report it online at durham.police.uk
Supporting Victims
Being the target of hate can have a profound emotional impact on victims who may feel isolated, anxious, or fearful. That’s why support services are vital.
Victim support organisations offer practical help, emotional support, and guidance on navigating the criminal justice system and can help ensure nobody suffers in silence.
If you or someone you know has been affected by hate crime, support is available locally through:
Victim Care and Advise Service (VCAS) Tel 0800 138 2020 or email victimcare@durham-pcc.gov.uk
Durham Pride – Confidential support and advice line open 10am-3pm Monday to Thursday Tel 0333 772 7724 or email support@durhamprideuk.org
Everyone deserves to live without fear of abuse or attack simply for being who they are.
Let’s take a stand against hate — by learning, speaking out, supporting victims, and always reporting hate crime. Together, we can build safer, stronger and more resilient communities.
By Joy Allen, Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington
