Translate

Hate crime

A hate incident is the same as a hate crime, however the only difference is that the behaviour exhibited falls short of being a crime. Anyone can be the victim of a hate incident.

What is hate crime

Hate crime or incident is any behaviour that you or someone else thinks was caused by hostility, prejudice or hatred of:

  • disability - including physical, hearing, visual impairments, mental health problems or learning
  • disabilities
  • 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 and places of worship
  • sexual orientation - people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or heterosexual
  • sex
  • age

A hate incident is the same as a hate crime, however the only difference is that the behaviour exhibited falls short of being a crime.

Often hate incidents, if left unchecked, can develop into hate crimes. Anyone can be the victim of a hate incident. For example, you may have been targeted because someone thought you were gay even though you’re not, or because you have a disabled child.

Late crime can take many forms including:

  • physical attacks to people or property
  • mimicking or offensive gestures
  • threats such as offensive letters or phone calls
  • verbal abuse and mimicking
  • arson
  • graffiti
  • dumping of rubbish
  • disputes with neighbours
  • harassment
  • murder
  • sexual assault
  • theft
  • fraud
  • bullying at work or school and more.

A victim does not have to be a member of the group at which the hostility is targeted. In fact, anyone could be a victim of a hate crime, the legal definition of hate crime is that a person perceives they have been a victim of due to any of the strands of diversity above.

Reporting a hate crime

Hate crimes and incidents hurt; they can be confusing and frightening. By reporting them when they happen to you, you may be able to prevent these incidents from happening to someone else. 

You will also help the police understand the extent of hate crime in your local area so they can better respond to it. By reporting hate crime you can get some help and support.

You can report a hate crime if you are:

  • the victim
  • a witness
  • reporting on behalf of someone else

It is important that all hate crimes and incidents are reported. Reports help us support victims and witnesses and make sure action is taken against perpetrators.

Stop Hate UK: 0800 138 1625

Victim Support: 0845 30 30 900

Bullying UK: 0808 800 2222

Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111