What is hate crime?
Hate crime is any offence or incident
committed against a person or property that is motivated by a
person or property that is motivated by an offender’s dislike or
hostility of someone because of their:
- Race, colour, ethnic origin,
nationality or national origins
- Religion
- Gender or gender
identity
- Sexual orientation
- Disability
- Age
Both adults and children can be the victim of
hate crime. Hate crimes can also be directed at whole
communities – for example, offensive graffiti in public places.
From October 2010 a new law came into effect offering protection
for not only victims, but also those who are associated with
someone who has a protected characteristic, for example, if you are
harassed because your son is gay.
A hate crime can take many forms, including name calling, verbal
abuse, bullying, harassment, spitting, physical attacks, damage to
property, graffiti, written notes, emails and text messages.
If you've been affected by hate crime, we can help you.
Call our dedicated helpline on 0800 953
4433. We will offer you support and give you
practical assistance to help you decide what to do next.
The helpline is staffed by specially trained
operators and the number will not show up on your telephone
bill.
Alternatively, contact Stop Hate UK (available
24 hours a day) on 0800 138 1625 (http://www.stophateuk.org/).
In an emergency, dial 999.
