National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2026
Support for hate crime victims highlighted during National Hate Crime Awareness Week
Support available to victims of hate crime across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland will be in the spotlight during this year's National Hate Crime Awareness Week (NHCAW).
The annual campaign, taking place from 11 to 18 October, aims to raise awareness of hate crime and hate incidents, encourage reporting and support victims.
Communities are encouraged to use the Speak Out Space, the partnership hub for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland which brings together information, reporting routes and local support services in one place.
The Speak Out Space was funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Throughout the week, Leicestershire Police’s neighbourhood teams will be holding engagement events across the force area to engage with residents, answer questions and promote the Speak Out Space.
Counties Partnerships Inspector Jemma Connor-Iommi said: "My team are dedicated in their support of victims of hate crime and hate incidents. National Hate Crime Awareness Week provides a great opportunity to let our communities know what we deliver 24/7.
"The message is simple - hate crime will not be tolerated. Anyone impacted will be listened to, taken seriously and supported. We encourage anyone affected, or anyone who witnesses hate crime, to come forward or access support through contacting the force or via the Speak Out Space."
Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said: "Crime fuelled by hate can have a devastating impact on victims and communities. No one should be targeted because of who they are, their faith, disability, race, sexual orientation or any other characteristic.
"By working together with partners, we can help ensure victims know where to turn for help and give them the confidence to report what has happened. Every report helps us better understand the issues affecting our communities and hold offenders to account."
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Positive Action Manager for Leicestershire Police, Vernal Scott said: “National Hate Crime Awareness Week is an important opportunity to highlight the impact that hate crime can have on individuals, families and communities.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe, valued and respected, regardless of their background, identity, faith, disability or who they love.
"We know that hate crime can leave lasting emotional and psychological effects, which is why it is so important that those affected know they are not alone. By working closely with our partners and promoting resources such as the Speak Out Space, we want to ensure people understand what support is available and how they can report incidents in a way that feels right for them.
"Together, we can challenge prejudice, build understanding and create communities where diversity is celebrated and hate has no place."
Find out more about the Speak Out Space here: Speak Out Space – Act together against hate crime
Leicestershire PolIce News - Published: 10:30 12/10/2026
