Hate Crime

Overview

Hate Crime is different to other types of crime because the offender is motivated by who the victim is or appears to be. Hate crime and incidents are acts that are motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's:

• race
• religion
• sexual orientation
• disability
• transgender identity

This includes crimes where the victim is targeted because of who they are or who they appear to be. You don't need to personally believe an incident is hate-related. It's enough if someone else, like a witness or a police officer, thinks it is.

It's important to report both hate crimes and hate incidents to help agencies address and prevent these acts.

Types of Hate Crime

There are many different types of hate crime. The most common types are physical assault, verbal abuse and incitement to hatred.

Physical assault

Any kind of physical attack is an offence. This should be reported to the police. Depending on the severity, the attacker could be charged with common assault, actual bodily harm, or grievous bodily harm.

Verbal Abuse

This includes threats, name-calling, or any kind of verbal harassment. There are laws to protect you from verbal abuse. These incidents should be reported to the police or relevant organisations.

Incitement to hatred

Actions intended to stir up hatred, such as threatening words, pictures, videos, music, or online content. This can include:

• messages calling for violence against a specific group or person
• chat forums where people encourage others to commit hate crimes
• web pages showing violence against people due to their perceived differences

Reporting hate crimes and incidents

It's important to report both hate crimes and hate incidents to help agencies address and prevent these acts. Even if you're unsure whether an offence has been committed, reporting can help improve community safety.

Report a hate crime

Hate crime in any form is inexcusable.

Anyone can report hate crime, regardless of whether they are the victim, witness, or are reporting on behalf of someone else.

By reporting a hate crime, you may be able help the police understand the extent of hate crime in your local area and they can develop a response. This may prevent these incidents from happening to someone else. Reporting makes a difference to you, your friends, and your community.

By reporting hate crime, you can get help and support if you need it. If you tell someone what has happened it gives you an opportunity to talk about it and decide what action to take. You could talk to a friend, family member or agency. You may want someone to speak to the police on your behalf or you might decide to report using a different option.

There are several ways to report a hate crime. You should report it in whichever way you are most comfortable with.

Visit the Citizens Advice website for more guidance in reporting a hate crime

Report to Essex Police

You can report Hate Crime directly to Essex Police. This will help you to gain the support you may need and to create a clear picture for your local area. You can report to Essex Police by:

• completing their quick and easy online form
• visiting a nearby police station to talk to an officer in person
• calling 101 if it is not an emergency
• calling 999 if a crime is in progress, a life is in danger or violence is being used or threatened

Report at a Hate Incident Reporting Centre

A Hate Incident Reporting Centre (HIRC) is a place in the community where you can report hate incidents and hate crimes, either as a victim or a witness.

You can report hate incidents and hate crimes to a HIRC instead of contacting the police. HIRCs work with Essex Police and other agencies to provide support and information to help you with your report.

Find your local Hate Incident Reporting Centre

Report to your Local Authority or housing officer

Contact your local council if you have an on going complaint or if the issue affect others in your area or housing estate.

Report to an independent agency

The following organisations can help you to report hate crime and offer you support:

True vision allows you to report without visiting a police station.

Crimestoppers allows you to provide information anonymously.

Stop Hate Uk is a national charity offering a free, anonymous, 24/7 reporting and information line.