Listen to Article
Hate Crime
A hate incident can be committed against a person or property that the victim or any other person believes is motivated by the offender’s hate against people because of their race, sexuality, disability, religion, age or gender.
Hate Crime victims more likely to suffer repeat attacks
Hate Crime victims are more likely to suffer repeat attacks than victims of other crimes, causing added fear and distress to the people they affect.
Unlike some other crimes, perpetrators of Hate Crimes do not attack people in order to benefit themselves. The attacks happen because of dislike of difference. Hate Crimes can be targeted, by neighbours or other people the victim knows, but they may also be arbitrary, with people being attacked because of what a stranger thinks they represent. Hate Crimes have a huge effect on victims because they are attacks on a victim’s identity.
Hate Crimes stop people being able to live their daily lives. Victims talk of having to change their usual route to school or the local shops, to avoid the perpetrators. They may become stressed or depressed, which has an impact on their ability to work and study, and affects their relationships. They often feel like prisoners inside their own homes – or have to move away from the area to stop it happening.
It’s not just victims and their families who are affected by Hate Crimes – the impact is felt by whole communities. If people are attacked, others become afraid the same will happen to them.
Everyone has the right to be different, and it is not acceptable that people are attacked because of who they are. Hate Crimes make society worse for us all. Anyone who experiences or hears about a Hate Crime should report it, either to the Police or to Stop Hate UK. Reports are used to help victims, bring perpetrators to justice, and influence our work to stop Hate Crime.
Every attack should be reported, whether it is name calling in the street, damage, graffiti, physical assault, or any other type of incident that makes someone feel upset at being targeted because of their:
• disability
• race
• religion or belief
• gender identity
• sexual orientation
Reports can be made anonymously by victims, witnesses, or anyone who hears about a Hate Crime.
All incidents are fully investigated by the appropriate department and a copy of the investigation report is sent to the Equality Improvement Officer. If you think you have been a victim or perceived as a third party that you have witnessed a racist incident, you can contact the Equality Improvement Officer by telephoning 01246 242407 or submit an enquiry form.
Stop Hate UK
Victims of Hate Crime can now report incidents by text, email and online, thanks to a new service set up by the Hate Crime charity Stop Hate UK.
The text, email and online services at Stop Hate UK run alongside the charity’s 24-hour helpline – 0800 138 1625. Victims and witnesses can use these services to report Hate Crimes and access support, and can remain anonymous if they wish. In many areas of the UK, there are also reporting centres, where people can go to make reports.
To report a Hate Crime and get support 24-hours a day, Hate Crime victims and witnesses contact Stop Hate UK in these ways:
- Phone: 0800 138 1635
- Text Relay: 18001 0800 138 1625 (for people who are deaf or have hearing or speech impairments)
- Text: 07717 989 025 (currently available 8am-10pm)
- Email talk@stophateuk.org
- Website
- Post: Stop Hate UK, PO Box 484, Leeds LS7 9BZ
Last Updated on Monday, 20 December 2010 15:33
