Almost half of all hate crime goes unreported across Wales and 213 crimes were reported in the Gwent force area in 2015/16 according to a report given by Community Support Officer, Ruth Moyse to the Bryn y Cwm Area Committee meeting in Abergavenny on July 12.

In a disturbing trend she also reported that hate crimes have risen in Wales by 73% in the same period with victims being targeted not only for race but also religion, transgender, sexual orientation and even disability.

The meeting was told getting the message across that such acts were unacceptable and that anyone can report an incident, not just the victims, were key to ensuring more of these offences are reported and the perpetrators caught.

‘Many people feel threatened by these attacks, not just the victims, and are afraid to come forward and tell the police - but there are other bodies that are also ready to help, such as Victim Support, Crimestoppers and Umbrella Cymru who offer support for the LGBG community,’ CSO Moyes stated.

CSO Moyse also highlighted the disturbing phenomenon of ‘Mate Crime’ in which vulnerable members of the community are ‘befriended’ by those who then exploit them financially or use them to shoulder the blame for their own wrongdoings. Again, it was education and increasing public awareness that would, she stated, go a long way to alleviating the suffering of victims.