VICTIMS of crime will be able to access more support services through a new centre launched by the police commissioner for Thames Valley.

Anthony Stansfeld, police and crime commissioner for the region, has announced a 'dedicated' hub for victims of crime to get support and advice will be rolled out from April next year.

Under the PCC's 'Victims First' brand, the new hub will provide a single referral point for all victims of crime, including victims of hate crime.

The announcement comes after Mr Stansfeld backed Hate Crime Awareness Week this week through his ‘Let’s Hate Hate’ campaign.

The campaign is a continuation of the work the office of the PCC has carried out to support victims of hate crime. It aims to encourage victims and witnesses of hate crime not to accept abuse as 'normal', but to report it.

Hate Crime is a crime or incident against you, your friends, your family or your property because of your sexual orientation, transgender identity, disability, race or religion.

Mr Stansfeld said: "Hate crime doesn’t belong in a civilised society.

“The issue of online hate crime is also a growing threat and I welcome the Home Secretary’s recent announcement of a national hub to tackle it. I hope that a dedicated team with specialist officers will increase prosecutions of perpetrators."