Speaking in the Chamber during Hate Crime Awareness week, and as newly published figures show that 2,941 hate crimes were reported in Wales during 2016-17, which is an a 22.3% increase on 2015-16, the Cabinet Secretary said:
“Much of this increase is likely to be due to an increase in the rates of reporting. This is a positive sign that victims are reporting incidences of hate crime and have confidence that they will be dealt with. Between 2012 and 2015 only 48% of hate crime victims were reporting them. Since then, a lot of work has been done to increase awareness and the confidence of victims in coming forward.
“Nevertheless, there is real concern amongst the Police, the third sector and other partners at the rising number of hate crimes committed last year. We have therefore been working closely with them to maximise the impact of our work and build communities where hate crime is not tolerated and victims are supported to the utmost.
“Abuse or discrimination against people because of their race or faith, nationality, age, disability, sexuality, gender or gender identity, is wrong. Nobody should think that they have any license to abuse people. We continue to tackle this behaviour head on. Nobody should suffer hostility, bullying or prejudice. This is why we are taking a clear stand on this issue and why we must continue our work to counter hate and build cohesion in Wales.”
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