Transport for London Launches New Video Campaign tackling hate crime

This week is National Hate Crime Awareness Week (11th-18th October), and Transport for London (TfL) has launched a new campaign to encourage people to support others.

The video campaign is being launched in cinemas and on ITVX to support those who may experience hate crimes and raise awareness.

Customer safety is a priority for TfL, consistently working with the police, and it launched a new task force last week, which focuses on sexual offences and harassment, hate crimes and violence against women and girls.

The purpose of the video campaign is to encourage people to ‘act like a friend’ to other passengers who may be being targeted, should they be safe to do so.

The video draws from real stories and how engaging with the targeted person has helped the situation, as they have acted like a friend.

Posters will also be on display, featuring other bystander stories and will feature conversation starters that can be used in this type of incident.

TfL is partnering with Protection Approaches, a charity working to prevent identity-based violence, to deliver bystander training for members of the public, which starts later this month. Further information on these sessions can be found on TfL’s website.

“No one should be a victim of hate crime or harassment in London or feel anxious or targeted because of who they are. TfL’s new campaign gives Londoners the knowledge and confidence to stand up to hate crime, address intolerant behaviours and safely challenge hateful narratives.

“City Hall is leading from the front and Sadiq has invested more than any other Mayor to tackle hate crime. We will always champion London’s diversity as our greatest strength and work to shape a city where people understand and respect one another. We will continue working in close partnership with our communities and the police to ensure everyone in the capital feels, and is, safe, building a safer London for everyone.”

Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime