Communities Minister outlines commitment to tackling hate crime

Today’s report will feed into the Welsh Government’s Hate Crime Framework for Action.

The Framework aims to tackle hate crime and incidents in Wales across the protected characteristics of race, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. It will also address abuse and attacks experienced by alternative subcultures -such as the way people dress – and older people.

Results of the report include:

• Transphobic and disability hate crime is likely to have the biggest impact on its victims
• Nearly a third (29%) of all victims of hate crime think about moving away from their homes and nearly one in five (18%) of leaving Wales.
• Four out of every ten victims (43%) knew their perpetrator and seven out of ten people were attacked by more than one person
• Worrying about hate crimes has the biggest effect on young people aged 16-19.
• Victims of homophobic incidents were alongside faith victims, most likely to report hate crime (47%).

Speaking at today’s event the Minister said:

“The Welsh Government is committed to taking action to make our country inclusive, equal and fair.

“An example of this is our consultation on a tackling hate crime framework, which I launched in July. The Framework outlines how we want to work with partners across the three key areas of prevention, supporting victims and improving responses. This will ensure we focus on making a real difference to people in Wales.

“Our consultation is open until 18th October and I encourage anyone with an interest in this issue to respond to it. I will be launching the final version of the Framework in spring 2014.

“Change cannot be done or driven by one agency or partner working in isolation. The only way we will see real change is by working together.”

The Minister will launch Hate Crime Awareness Week on 14th October.