13/10/2025
PSNI Urges Public To Report Hate Crime During Awareness Week
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has joined organisations across the United Kingdom to mark Hate Crime Awareness Week.
Chief Superintendent Sue Steen, PSNI's Hate Crime Lead, is urging everyone to stand together to challenge and report hate crime and incidents.
Chief Superintendent Steen stressed that any act of hatred or intolerance is "entirely unacceptable" in a modern and diverse society.
She confirmed that the PSNI recorded almost 2,300 hate crimes in the 12 months up to 30 June 2025, but believes many more go unreported.
"Without reporting, we cannot support victims, detect patterns, allocate resources, or bring perpetrators to justice," she said.
The Chief Superintendent encouraged people who experience or witness hate-motivated abuse, harassment, or criminal damage to report it to police via 101 (or 999 in an emergency) or online via the PSNI website.
She also highlighted that the Hate Crime Advocacy Service (HCAS) can provide independent, confidential assistance for those who feel unable to report directly to police. The HCAS offers support to victims whether or not they have reported the crime.
Chief Superintendent Steen concluded with an appeal to the public: "During Hate Crime Awareness Week and beyond, I urge all of us to think about our words and actions, to challenge prejudice where we see it, and to support victims in coming forward."
Chief Superintendent Sue Steen, PSNI's Hate Crime Lead, is urging everyone to stand together to challenge and report hate crime and incidents.
Chief Superintendent Steen stressed that any act of hatred or intolerance is "entirely unacceptable" in a modern and diverse society.
She confirmed that the PSNI recorded almost 2,300 hate crimes in the 12 months up to 30 June 2025, but believes many more go unreported.
"Without reporting, we cannot support victims, detect patterns, allocate resources, or bring perpetrators to justice," she said.
She also highlighted that the Hate Crime Advocacy Service (HCAS) can provide independent, confidential assistance for those who feel unable to report directly to police. The HCAS offers support to victims whether or not they have reported the crime.
Chief Superintendent Steen concluded with an appeal to the public: "During Hate Crime Awareness Week and beyond, I urge all of us to think about our words and actions, to challenge prejudice where we see it, and to support victims in coming forward."
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