Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has launched its annual #NoHateInHalton campaign, as hate-related crimes in the region continue to rise. According to HRPS, there were 40 reported hate crimes in 2022, up from 31 in 2021.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about hate-related or bias-related crimes and build a sense of community in local schools and across the region. HRPS has partnered with various English and French school boards, Crime Stoppers, and the HRPS Youth Advisory Council to deliver the campaign's messaging in 180 schools and learning facilities. The initiative encourages the reporting of hate or bias-motivated incidents, reduces the stigma associated with reporting, and promotes collaboration between staff and students to eliminate hate-motivated incidents.
The campaign calls on young people to share their views on why there should be no hate in Halton through videos using the #NoHateInHalton hashtag. Anyone who experiences or witnesses hate crimes can report them to the HRPS or contact any of the available support resources. The HRPS chief, Stephen Tanner, assures the public that the police service will investigate any hate crime and urges victims not to suffer in silence.
VIDEO SUMMARY:
In an interview with Scott Sexsmith, Mansoor provides updates on the "No Hate in Halton" campaign, which has just been relaunched. The campaign, aimed at combatting hate crimes in Halton, Ontario, is still similar to the one launched in 2021, with around 180 schools involved, and local support agencies and school boards collaborating. However, there are two crucial differences this year: the Halton Region Police's Youth Advisory Council has been more heavily involved in creating social media messaging, and the exhibit showcasing influential people throughout history has been discontinued.
Mansoor highlights the collaboration between Halton police and local community organizations such as school boards and KidsHelpKids, HelpPhone, ReachOut Center for Kids, Halton Multicultural Council, and Thrive Counseling to combat hate crimes. The school boards are making their spaces available for posters and messaging, while schools are also developing programming around hate and Halton. Moreover, community organizations are making themselves available for people to talk about their problems, whether hate-motivated or not, and encouraging people not to suffer in silence.
At the campaign kickoff meeting, a video was presented with messaging focused on the culture of the Youth Advisory Council, presenting a message of hope and a future that is safe and equitable.
