Hate Crime

A Hate Crime or Incident is any behaviour that someone thinks was caused by hostility, prejudice or hatred of:

• Disability (including physical impairments, Mental Health problems, learning disabilities, hearing and visual impairments)
• Gender Identity (people who are transgender, transsexual or transvestite)
• Race, skin colour, nationality, ethnicity or heritage
• Religion, faith or belief (including people without a religious belief)
• Sexual Orientation (people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or hetrosexual etc.)

It can include

• Name calling or verbal abuse
• Graffiti or writing (e.g. notes, emails, SMS)
• Damage to property
• Physical attacks or violence, including sexual violence
• Threats or intimidation
• Bullying or harassment
• Setting fire to things (arson)
• Murder

What should I do if I experience or see a Hate Crime?

Anyone can be a victim of Hate Crime if they are targeted because of who they are, who their friends or family are or who the perpetrator thinks they are.

If you experience a Hate Crime, or know someone who has:

• Make sure that you and other people are safe.
• Report what has happened, whether to the Police, a hate Crime Reporting Centre or the Stop Hate Line. Tell them it is a Hate Crime.
• Don't clear away the evidence.  Take photographs if you can.
• Keep details of who you speak to, such as the Police Officer.
• Keep any log or crime reference numbers the police give you.
• Get help from your housing provider if appropriate.
• Get help from a local organisation - you can get this by calling the Stop Hate Line on 0800 138 1625 or take a look at the links on this page.

Why should you report Hate Crimes and Incidents?

If you tell us what is happening, different agencies (such as the Police, Local Authority, charities and housing providers) can take action against the perpetrator, to support victims and witnesses.

Agencies may be able to

• Investigate and collect evidence
• Provide home security for victims
• Remove offensive graffiti quickly
• Take photographs and evidence
• Enforce the tenancy of perpetrators
• Provide CCTV to collect evidence
• Give victims and witnesses advice, information and support during the whole criminal justice process

When you report Hate Crime and Incidents, you are making a bigger difference than you may think.

It helps you get the support.  It help us make your local area safer.

Most Hate Crimes are not reported.  Your reports helps us to understand how Hate Crime affects your community, and then tackle the problem.