Community leaders across Cleveland are working together to tackle hate crime and make sure everyone feels safe, respected and supported.
A new strategy has been launched by the Cleveland Strategic Hate Crime Partnership. The partnership is chaired by Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey and brings together organisations including councils, police, housing providers, health services and voluntary groups. Safer Communities is proud to be part of this work.
The aim is simple. Everyone who lives, works or visits Cleveland should be able to live free from hatred and hostility caused by prejudice.
Why this work matters
Recent figures show that hate crime has increased in Cleveland.
In the year ending March 2025 there were 1,771 hate crime offences, compared with 1,508 the year before.
Incidents where hate was believed to be a motivating factor also rose from 1,568 to 1,803.
Race is the most common factor in reported hate crimes, but people are also targeted because of:
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation
- Disability
- Gender identity
Hate crime can affect anyone. It can happen in public places, at work or online.
Supporting victims and challenging behaviour
Safer Communities provides support to people who experience hate crime through the Victim Care and Advice Service and Restorative Cleveland.
Restorative Justice can also play an important role in helping victims feel heard and helping offenders understand the real impact of their behaviour.
Dave Mead, Victim Services Manager at Safer Communities, said:
“Restorative Justice is an important way of supporting and empowering victims of hate crime.
Many people targeted because of their race or religion also receive abuse because of their jobs. This can include police officers, healthcare workers, taxi drivers and security staff.
We want people responsible for hate crime to understand the real consequences of their actions, not only for the victim but also for their family and the wider community.
Hate crime is never acceptable and it must be challenged whenever it happens. Victims deserve compassion, understanding and support.”
What is a hate crime?
A hate crime is any crime that someone feels has been carried out against them because of a personal characteristic.
This could be because of your:
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Disability
It can also be a hate crime if you are targeted because of your connection to someone with one of these characteristics.
Encouraging people to report
The partnership wants more people to understand what hate crime is and how to report it. Reporting helps ensure people get support and helps partners take action to prevent future incidents.
The new Hate Crime Strategy for Cleveland focuses on:
- Raising awareness of hate crime and how to report it
- Challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours
- Improving support for victims
- Investigating incidents properly
- Taking action against offenders
- Using restorative justice where appropriate
If you need support
If you are experiencing hate crime or intimidation, support is available.
You can contact Safer Communities on:
0303 040 1099
No one should feel alone when facing hate crime. Support is available and people will listen.
Pictured: (L-R) Errol Parks, Community Protection Strategy Officer from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, Sahida Ditta, vice chair of the Cleveland Strategic Hate Crime Partnership, PCC Matt Storey, Dave Mead from Safer Communities and Cleveland Police Hate Crime Lead, Emily Harrison.
