Partners across the Forth Valley are supporting National Hate Crime Awareness Week, taking place from 12-18 October 2026, by encouraging communities to recognise, report and challenge hate crime.

As part of the awareness campaign, officers from Police Scotland’s Forth Valley Division joined representatives from Falkirk Council, Adult Protection Social Work, NHS Forth Valley and local councillor Gordon Forrest at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

The event provided an opportunity to engage with members of the public, raise awareness of what constitutes a hate crime and provide information on reporting pathways and the support available to those who may be affected.

Hate crime is the term used to describe behaviour which is both criminal and rooted in prejudice where the offender’s actions are driven by hatred towards disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity.

Targeting a person, a group or a community because of who they are, how they look, or how they choose to live their lives, undermines freedoms and rights we are all entitled to enjoy as human beings.

Partnerships Superintendent for Forth Valley Division, Anton Stephenson said: “There is never an excuse to attack or persecute someone, and especially not on the basis of any of the protected characteristics.

“Hate crime can damage a person’s confidence and leave them feeling isolated. This can spread through their family and into the wider community, leading to them feeling unwelcome, rejected, isolated and alone.

“We know it can be hard for people to report a hate crime, and it is under-reported.

“Be reassured: Police Scotland will investigate every report of a hate crime or hate incident. Please remember it’s not just the person who’s a victim who can make a report; witnesses can come forward on their behalf and tell us what they’ve seen and heard.

“Police work alongside a range of partner agencies across the country to tackle hate crime but we need the public’s help. Please come forward, report hate crime and help us make a positive change.”