Liverpool City Council is working with partners across the city to raise awareness of hate crime, encourage reporting and help people affected find support. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and welcome in Liverpool.
Hate crime can leave people feeling frightened, isolated and unwelcome in their own communities. It affects individuals, families and neighbourhoods, and has no place in our city. This National Hate Crime Awareness Week, 10 to 17 October 2026, we are raising awareness of hate crime, explain how to report it and highlight the support available.
What is hate crime?
A hate crime is a criminal offence motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone because of a protected characteristic, such as their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. It can include physical violence, threats, verbal abuse, offensive graffiti or damage to property. Hate crime can happen in person or online.
Some incidents may not meet the legal definition of a hate crime but can still cause harm and distress. If you experience or witness behaviour you believe is motivated by prejudice, you can report it and seek advice. Recognising hate-based behaviour, challenging prejudice and supporting people affected are important steps towards building safer communities.
Three pledges to tackle hate crime
Liverpool is working with local authorities across the Liverpool City Region, Merseyside Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office and other partners under three shared pledges:
- Raise awareness and challenge hate-based behaviour to advance equality, diversity and inclusion across the Liverpool City Region.
- Increase confidence to report hate crime to the police and partners.
- Provide consistent and effective support for victims by promoting collaboration across agencies.
These pledges reflect a shared commitment to helping people access information, report incidents and receive the support they need.
Working together across our communities
Tackling hate crime requires a collective effort. Public services, community organisations, local partners and residents all have a role to play. Through the Citysafe Hate Crime Strategic Group, Liverpool City Council works with partners to raise awareness, improve access to reporting and strengthen support for people affected by hate crime. Throughout the week, activities across Liverpool will help residents understand what hate crime is, how to report it and where to find support. Community engagement is an important part of this work. By sharing information, listening to residents and connecting people with support services, partners can help build confidence and encourage more people to speak out.
How to report hate crime and find support
You can report a hate crime against yourself or someone else. You do not have to deal with it alone.
Merseyside Police
- Call 999 in an emergency.
- Call 101 for non-emergency reports.
- Report online through Merseyside Police.
Stop Hate UK
Provides confidential reporting options and support for people affected by hate crime.
- Telephone: 0800 138 1625
- Text: 07717 989 025
- Email: talk@stophateuk.org
- Online: Stop Hate UK
Anthony Walker Foundation
Provides support for people affected by racial or religious hate crime.
- Telephone: 0151 237 3974
- Website: Anthony Walker Foundation
Daisy Inclusive UK
Provides support for people affected by disability hate crime.
- Telephone: 0151 261 0309
- Website: Daisy Inclusive UK
Citizens Advice Liverpool
Provides support for people affected by LGBTQ+ hate crime.
- Telephone: 0151 522 1400, extension 5006
- Email: lgbthatecrime@caliverpool.org.uk
Standing together beyond Hate Crime Awareness Week
Raising awareness is important, but tackling hate crime is a commitment that continues throughout the year. By challenging prejudice, looking out for one another and making it easier to report incidents and access support, we can help build communities where everyone feels safe and respected.
Together, we can make Liverpool a city where hate has no home and everyone belongs.
