It's #TimeforChange and time to challenge hate crime

Police recorded crime data in England and Wales shows that Muslims, or those perceived as Muslims, continue to experience the highest percentage of religious hate crimes on a yearly basis.

Between 2020-2021, the Home Office recorded that just under half (45%) of religious hate crime offences were targeted against Muslims, or those perceived to be Muslim, with 2,703 offences taking place. 

Islamophobia is a hate crime where Muslims are targeted because of their religion and beliefs. These offences can consist of physical and verbal abuse, threatening behaviour, online hate and criminal damage - which has a lasting and devastating effect on the individual, their families and to local communities.  

November is Islamophobia Awareness Month, aims to deconstruct and challenge the stereotypes about Islam and Muslims. The campaign, held every November, works with the Police Crime Commissioner, local councils, media outlets and educational establishments to raise awareness of the threat of Islamophobia and encourage better reporting of incidents to the police.

'Time for Change' is this year's theme, which encompasses the focus on educating and engaging with people, with the aim to instil long-term and sustainable change in behaviours and attitudes and remove Islamophobia from our country.

There's no place for hatred in our society, be part of the change – we encourage everyone to report any Islamophobic incidents to the police.

How to make a report

Remember, you don’t have to be the victim of hate crime to report it. You can report anything you’ve seen happening to someone else, or report it on their behalf if they don’t want to.

If you wish to report a hate crime to us, please get in touch using one of the following contact methods.

• Facebook – send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website – complete the online contact form derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
• Phone – call us on 101.

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.

Support

We also understand that you may not be ready to talk to us about what has happened.

There's advice and support available through our Anti-Social Behaviour Hub or via the Stop Hate UK website or tellmama.

Derbyshire Victim Services (0800 612 6505) are also on hand to offer support, advice and ways to report the incident without having to talk directly to the police.