A RANGE of events took place on the IW this week for Hate Crime Awareness Week.

The IW Community Safety Partnership (CSP) supported the events between October 13 to 20, which aimed to bring people together, stand with those affected by hate crime, and support those who need ongoing help.

Events included two public community safety events about what hate crime is, an LGBT+ drop-in event, and a third party reporting centre training event at the IW College.

Schools across the Island held assemblies with a hate crime awareness theme.

In 2017/18 there were 148 recorded hate crimes on the IW, up by 101 on the previous year, although this increase reflects improved victim confidence and more opportunities for victims and witnesses to report their experiences.

Cabinet member for community safety and public protection, Cllr Tig Outlaw, said: "We want to send out a strong message that there is no place for hate on the Island and we invite everyone to join us in sending that clear message.

"Bigotry and ignorance are unacceptable. I would encourage anyone suffering from this type of behaviour to come forward and know that they will be supported."

Insp Tracy Scrase, of Hampshire Constabulary, said: "Hate crimes cover a multitude of incidents and offences which are motivated by hostility, prejudice or hatred towards someone's actual or perceived race, disability, sexual orientation, faith/religion, gender or age.

"There can never be any excuse for hate crime in any shape or form and this criminality will not be tolerated. We want victims of hate crime to feel confident to contact us because we'll take it seriously, protect them, and make sure they get all the support they need.

"If you witness an incident, or someone tells you about one, you can report it on their behalf."

For further information visit iwight.com/communitysafety under the anti-social behaviour tab.