Hate crime

A hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim, or anybody else, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone’s:

• Race
• Religion
• Sexual orientation
• Transgender identity
• Disability

These are known as ‘protected characteristics’. 

A hate crime can include:

• Verbal abuse
• Intimidation
• Threats
• Harassment
• Assault
• Damage to property

These behaviours are considered criminal offences and need to be reported to the police as a crime in the first instance. Once you have made your report, please contact us to tell us the  details. 

We need this information so that we can make contact and work with you to agree the appropriate next steps.

Hate incident
This is behaviour which isn’t a crime but which is perceived by the victim, or anybody else, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on the five protected characteristics. 

Please contact us if you want to report a hate incident. In an emergency, always call 999.

True Vision (Report It) – an online reporting tool which sends information to the local police force so there is no need to attend the police station. The website also proves support and information.
Website: report-it.org.uk

Other useful websites

There are several national organisations which offer support to victims of hate crime and hate incidents. They can provide services such as helplines, guidance, confidential safety advice and training and some may be able to report a hate crime or incident on your behalf. You can find information about some of these below.

Stop Hate UK – working to challenge all forms of hate crime and discrimination based on any aspect of an individual’s identity.
Website: stophateuk.org

Tell MAMA (Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks) – a national hate crime support and monitoring service for victims of anti-Muslim hatred.
Website: tellmamauk.org

Galop – a charity tackling hate crime against LGBT+ communities.
Website: galop.org.uk  

Deaf Plus – a charity for deaf and deafened people, providing advocacy, support and advice. 
Website: Deaf Plus.org

Mencap – a charity for people with learning disabilities, providing advice and support.
Website:  Mencap.org.uk

Sophie Lancaster Foundation – support for alternative cultures.
Website: sophielancasterfoundation.com

CST – report anti-Semitic hate crimes and incidents.
Website: CST.org.uk

Report Racism – report Traveller and Roma hate crime.
Website: Reportracismgrt.com

CrimeStoppers – give information anonymously.
Website: Crimestoppers-uk.org

Victim Support – independent and confidential advice after a crime.
Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk/