PEOPLE in Bradford are being invited to take part in a survey aimed at defeating hate crime.

Bradford for Everyone, a programme led by the Council’s Stronger Communities team, has teamed up with academics at Bradford University to carry out research into people’s experience of Hate crime.

The term 'Hate’ crime can be used to describe a range of behaviour where the perpetrator is motivated by hostility or demonstrates hostility towards the victim's disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity.

A Hate crime can include verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, harassment, assault and bullying, as well as damage to property.

The purpose of the survey is to seek the perception and experiences of residents in Bradford around the issue of reporting Hate crime.

A hate crime scrutiny review completed earlier this year found that some residents, including people with disabilities, felt abuse could be so bad they accepted it was a normal part of their daily life.

'Concerning' review finds some victims feel hate crime is 'part of normal life'

Everyone in the wider community is encouraged to complete the survey whether or not they have had direct experience of Hate crime.

In this way researchers can get a community wide perception on why some Hate crimes are not reported, as well as from the victims why they will or will not report incidents of Hate crime.

Councillor Abdul Jabar, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said: “Hate crime is a common occurrence for a large number of ethnic and religious minorities, LGBT plus, disabled and trans citizens in the whole of the UK, not just Bradford.

“It does not only affect individuals, but their friends, families, and the wider community. Not only do the victim and their family suffer, but others in the same minority category do, too.

“Research has shown that this type of crime is more pernicious and disrespectful than non-aggravated versions of the same offences, such as criminal damage, public order offences or common assault.

“This research will help us work together to reduce hate crime and make the district a place where everyone feels safe.”

You can complete the survey which runs until 1 June, by clicking here