ON FRIDAY, 18 October, Parc y Scarlets played host to a successful Hate Crime Awareness Week engagement event ahead of the match between the Scarlets and the Bulls. The event, held in the Fanzone prior to the game, was a collaborative effort to raise awareness of hate crime, offering the community vital information on how to seek support and report incidents.
Representatives from Victim Support, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Dyfed-Powys Police, and Carmarthenshire County Council’s Community Cohesion team were present to engage with the public. Attendees were encouraged to participate in a series of activities and write messages of “hope over hate” on bunting, which will be displayed at Parc y Scarlets as a symbol of the community’s unity against hate crime.
Local community members had the chance to learn more about the damaging effects of hate crime and how it can be reported. Staff were on hand to speak with those impacted, providing both emotional support and practical advice on the reporting process.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion, Cllr Carys Jones praised the event, saying: “It was wonderful to see so many people engage with such an important issue.
“Hate crime has no place in our communities, and events like this help spread the message that everyone has the right to feel safe, included, and respected.”
Becca Rosenthal, Operations Manager from Victim Support added: “By raising awareness and offering direct support, we hope to encourage more people to come forward if they experience or witness hate crime.
“The messages of hope displayed at Parc y Scarlets highlight the strength of our community’s stand against hate.”
In a show of solidarity, free match tickets were made available to community members, further promoting inclusivity and engagement during this meaningful event.
For anyone seeking more information on hate crime or how to report it, guidance is available via the Victim Support website or by contacting Dyfed-Powys Police on 101 or through their online reporting system.
Hate crimes are acts of violence, harassment, or abuse motivated by prejudice against a person’s race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. If you or someone you know has been affected, please do not hesitate to reach out for help and support.
For more information about hate crime and reporting, visit:
