Holocaust Memorial Day: Let’s tackle hate crime together

Holocaust Memorial Day: Let’s tackle hate crime together

Holocaust Memorial Day is being marked tomorrow Tuesday 27th January and Suffolk Constabulary is reaffirming its commitment to tackling hate crime, supporting victims and encouraging people to report incidents.

The event commemorates the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered during the Holocaust and the millions more murdered under Nazi persecution.

It is also an opportunity to reflect on hate crime which is currently taking place around the world and in our own county. Hate crime is an attack on people - physical, verbal and online - because of hostility or prejudice towards their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity.

From October 2024 to September 2025, 752 hate crimes / incidents were reported to Suffolk police but officers believe the matter is still under-reported.

Hate Crime Lead at Suffolk Constabulary, Superintendent Richard Burton, said: “Hate crime hurts and divides communities and we know that, for various reasons, offences are often under-reported. No one should feel unsafe or targeted because of who they are or what they believe.”

Hate crimes often take place in public and Suffolk police is offering advice to potential witnesses, reminding them their safety is a priority.

Watch, be a witness. Don’t turn away as it gives the message to the offender their behaviour is normal and acceptable.

Observe and pay attention to what is happening, the description of the offender, where you are, what time it is, so you have the best information when you report it.

Inform security, staff or other people who might be able to help.

Once you are in a safe space report the incident as a witness directly to the Police Report hate crime | Suffolk Constabulary or call 101

Remember, in case of emergency always call 999.

Also, remember to check whether the victim needs help, even after an incident. Offer to call someone for them if they need it. You can also let them know of the support available and how to report the incident themselves: www.suffolk.police.uk/hatecrime

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore, said: “It goes without saying that we should treat each other in a respectful way but if that’s not the case we need to support victims of discrimination and ensure they have the confidence to report.

"Everyone has a right to live safely in Suffolk without the fear of prejudice or discrimination and this event gives us the opportunity to highlight the issue and encourage victims to report hate crime.

“If, for whatever reason, victims decide not to go to the police, Norfolk &

Suffolk Victim Care can offer support or if anonymity is required, you can report a hate crime to Crimestoppers. I would encourage anyone affected by hate crime to please seek support.”

For more information and advice visit www.suffolk.police.uk/hatecrime

REPORTING HATE CRIME …

Hate Crime can be reported directly to police online Report hate crime | Suffolk Constabulary or anonymously via True Vision. Stop Homophobic, Transphobic, Racial, Religious & Disability Hate Crime - True Vision

If you prefer to speak to someone, please dial 101, where someone will be able to help you.

Always dial 999 when life is threatened or people are injured, or if there is a crime in progress or an immediate police response is necessary.

If you have been a victim of or witness to a hate crime and are in need of support, please contact Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care, who offer advice and support to help you cope and recover from the impact of crime. It doesn’t matter how long ago the crime happened or if it has been reported.

Phone: 0300 303 3706 Website: www.nsvictimcare.org
Facebook/Twitter @nsvictimcareI’m

Information for young people is also available on The Source website: Home Page - The Source

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