Hate Crime Awareness Week

This week marks National Hate Crime Awareness Week, with a particular focus on disability hate crime.

Over the summer, I had the privilege of attending Viva Fest in Newport - an accessible music festival that brings together people with learning disabilities to celebrate their identity. While there, I spoke with individuals from across Wales and was deeply saddened to hear about some of the hateful experiences they’ve had to endure.

Just last week the comedian Rosie Jones, who has cerebral palsy, was subjected to ableist abuse while travelling by train. It was a horrific incident that highlights the very real challenges disabled people continue to face in their daily lives.

Recent figures show that around 11,719 disability-related hate crimes were recorded across the UK last year. While this number is thankfully lower than in previous years, we know that many more incidents go unreported. We must never become complacent.

The police can only act if they are made aware of an incident. If you’ve been a victim of hate crime, please report it. If you don’t feel comfortable going to the police, support is available from the Wales Hate Support Centre.

I believe in communities where everyone feels safe to live authentically, free from intimidation, discrimination, or harm. Communities where kindness, understanding, and mutual respect are not just ideals, but everyday values.

When individuals reject these principles and their actions cross into hate, it’s essential that we respond decisively and appropriately. As our population grows and becomes more diverse, this challenge becomes even more pressing and policing must evolve to meet it head-on.

I stand shoulder to shoulder with all those affected by hate crime. That’s why I proudly support National Hate Crime Awareness Week and remain committed to playing my part in confronting this injustice wherever it appears.