Hate crime is defined as ‘Any incident which may or may not constitute a criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate.’
In Knowsley the following types of hate are recognised and recorded for the purposes of a hate incident:
- Race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality or national origins
- Religion
- Gender or gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Disability
- Age
- Any other lifestyle choice or perceived vulnerability which causes the individual concerned, or any other person to feel that the individual is being targeted as a consequence. Examples would include the homeless, rough sleepers, sex workers, goths, punks
The above does not include domestic abuse.
Incidents could include:
- Verbal abuse, threats insults, nuisance telephone calls, name-calling and intimidation
- Physical assaults and attacks on the person
- Attacks against the person’s property, for example offensive graffiti, breaking windows, and damaging cars
- Setting fires
- Publishing and distributing leaflets and newspapers that are likely to incite hate crime is also a criminal offence
- Being singled out and being treated differently by other residents because you are not the same as them
Reporting Hate Crime or Hate Incidents
You can also contact Stop Hate UK who are a national charity. They will pass your report or concerns to local organisations including Merseyside Police and Knowsley Council.
Contacting Merseyside Police
In an emergency, always call 999.
Merseyside Police are also available 24/7 to deal with your non-emergency reports and enquiries. If you wish to contact Merseyside Police, for non-emergencies please call 101 or use the following social media channels:
Facebook : Merseyside Police CC
Twitter: @MerpolCC
Instagram: MerpolCC