Exeter unites for National Hate Crime Awareness Week with call to stand up to hate

Exeter is marking National Hate Crime Awareness Week (11–18 October 2025) with a joint call for unity, understanding, and action against hate, as local authorities and police renew their commitment to protecting diversity and inclusion in the city and beyond.

Devon County Council, Exeter City Council and Devon and Cornwall Police have both issued statements ahead of the awareness week, urging residents to stand together against intolerance and ensure that every member of the community feels safe and valued.

At a recent council meeting, Devon County Council adopted a motion condemning all forms of hate crime, intolerance, and discrimination. 

Councillor Caroline Leaver, Chair of Devon County Council, and Councillor Syed Jusef, County Councillor for Barnstaple North, said the motion reflects the county’s shared values and “determination to protect and celebrate the diversity of our communities.”

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“We totally condemn any form of racism, intolerance, bigotry or xenophobia. Hate crimes have no place in our society and we will do all we can to prevent them,” the councillors said.

“We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Hate crimes have no place in our country, and we condemn all such crimes unequivocally. We want every resident to know, if they experience such unacceptable behaviour, that help is available, and that they are not alone.”

The council has also reiterated that support and advice are available through its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion service on the Devon County Council website.

Devon and Cornwall Police will also be participating in National Hate Crime Awareness Week, promoting its ‘Zero Tolerance to Hate Crime’ campaign across the region.

“This week is about raising awareness of hate crime and highlighting the importance of reporting hate crimes to the police,” a police spokesperson said.

“Throughout the week, our Diverse Communities Team are supporting a number of awareness-raising events across Devon and Cornwall. We acknowledge that this is a very difficult time for many communities, and we want to offer reassurance that we are here to provide support to anyone who experiences hate crime.”

According to Devon and Cornwall police, they are seeing a “rise in hate crime reporting snd we know that this is only the tip of the iceberg,” and that they have teams dedicated to supporting victims of hate crime. 

As stated by Devon and Cornwall police: “Hate crime is defined as any criminal offence, which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s race; religion/ belief; sexual orientation; disability or because they are transgender.” 

The force noted that while reports of hate crime have increased, many incidents still go unreported, meaning the true scale of the issue remains hidden.

 Officers are working closely with local authorities, charities, and community organisations to improve understanding, support victims, and prevent future incidents.

“Through the reporting of hate crime we are able to ensure there is appropriate support for victims and their wider community, and bring offenders to justice. We are also able to better understand tensions within communities and put in place measures to prevent further crimes from being committed,” the spokesperson added.

Victims who prefer not to contact police directly can use third-party reporting tools, such as True Vision, which allows trusted organisations, businesses, and charities to report hate crimes on behalf of individuals.

Locally, Exeter City Council and community partners are echoing the call to action, highlighting the importance of standing together to maintain Exeter’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive city.

A spokesperson for Exeter City Council said the authority is supporting the police’s local efforts to raise awareness and encourage reporting: “A national week of action is underway to encourage communities affected by hate crime, local authorities, police forces and other key partners to work together to tackle local hate crime issues, stand in solidarity with those affected by hate crime, and support those who need it.” 

National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which began in 2012, aims to bring communities together, support victims, and promote understanding.

As Devon County Council’s statement concludes: “We are proud to live in a county that values inclusion, respect and kindness. Let us all continue to stand together against hate and ensure Devon remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”

Throughout this week, Exeter City Council, Devon County Council, Devon and Cornwall Police are encouraging residents to speak up against hate and to access available support services.