Bolton residents are urged to stand up to hate crime during National Hate Crime Awareness Week (10-17 October).
Hate crimes are when people are targeted because of who they are, including their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity.
Hate crime can take many forms, including verbal abuse, threats, harassment, violence and damage to property.
Everyone has the right to feel safe, respected and free to be themselves, without the fear of hostility or intimidation because of who they are or who someone believes them to be.
To tackle the issue, anyone seeing or experiencing a hate crime is asked to report it.
It is only by understanding the issues that appropriate help can be provided to make Bolton a safer place for everyone.
The National Hate Crime Awareness Week aims to highlight the issues and significant impact it has on individuals, families and communities.
Cllr Hamid Khurram, Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Stronger Communities, said:
“I'm proud of Bolton and all its people who come from such a different range of backgrounds, cultures and faiths who come together to make this such a great place to live.
“Bolton is renowned as one of the friendliest places in the country and we must protect our shared values as this helps attract more business investment and opportunities that benefits us all.
“If you experience or witness hate crime, please report it as it can help protect others too.”
You can report a Bolton Hate Crime here or on the Police’s True Vision website.
Greater Manchester Victims' Services (GMVS) also provides free, confidential support, whether or not it has been reported to the police, including practical and emotional support, guidance on available options and referrals to specialist services where needed at www.letsendhatecrime.com