GWENT councils are looking to tackle hate crime this week as part of National Hate Crime Awareness Week.

Hate crime is one against individuals based on their identity or perceived differences and victims might be bullied, harassed and abused because of who they are or because of their sexual orientation, gender, religion, ethnicity or lifestyle choice.

Crime against them may take the form of verbal abuse, offensive graffiti, threats, damage to property, assault, cyber bullying, abusive texts, emails or phone calls.

Council officers in Gwent have worked with charity Victim Support and the Hate Crime Reporting and Support Centre for Wales to ensure that victims get the support they need.

And some are taking part in training and awareness sessions for staff through autumn and winter. Others are planned for the third sector in the spring.

Hate crimes or incidents should be reported by calling Gwent Police on 101 - or on 999 in the case of an emergency - via the Victim Support national reporting system by calling their free 24 hour helpline on 0300 30 31 982 or online at reporthate.victimsupport.org.uk.