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 heterosexual).
It can include:
- Name calling or verbal abuse.
- Threats or intimidation
- Graffiti or writing (e.g. notes, emails, SMS).
- Bullying or harassment.
- Damage to property (e.g. to your house or car. Damage may be temporary or permanent).
- Setting fire to things (arson).
- Physical attacks or violence, including sexual violence.
- Murder.
If you witness a hate crime, or someone commits a hate crime towards you, you MUST report it, there are loads of ways you can do this:
- Tell an adult you trust
- Call the police 0300 300 99 99
- Call Stop Hate UK on 0800 138 1625 or text 07717 989 025
- If its an emergency, always dial 999