A hate crime is any crime which is perceived by the victim, or anyone else, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice towards someone because of:

• disability
• gender identity
• race or ethnic origin
• religion or belief, including lack of belief or religion
• sexual orientation

Hate crimes can include:

• physical attacks - physical assault, damage to property, offensive graffiti, neighbour disputes and arson
• threat of attack - offensive letters or emails, abusive or obscene telephone calls, groups hanging around to intimidate you and unfounded, malicious complaint
•  verbal abuse or insults - harassment over the phone, by text or face to face, abusive gestures and remarks, bullying and threats

They can happen anywhere - at home, school, work or on the street. It can be frightening for the victim and witnesses. For more information, visit Safer Derbyshire (opens in a new window).

Hate crime support

There is support available for those affected by Hate Crime. More information is available via Safer Derbyshire (opens in a new window).

Derbyshire's free confidential 24 hour third party reporting is independent of the police and provided by Stop Hate UK. You can also:

• This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (opens in a new window)
• telephone 0800 138 1625
• text 07717 989 025
• use web chat and instant messaging

Derbyshire Police (opens in a new window) can also take information and you can make a statement:

• telephone 101 or if it's an emergency 999
• SMS text - you'll need to register your mobile phone (opens in a new window) before using the emergency SMS service:
  • non-emergency 07800 002414
  • emergency 999
• Deaftext users should still continue to use that system as it is available to all mobile phones - contact Derbyshire Police (opens in a new window) for the deaf SMS contact form
• fax 01773 571102

Crimestoppers (opens in a new window) will take your call anonymously tel: 0800 555 111.

Derbyshire victims services (opens in a new window) - Step up beat hate can take reports and offer advocacy and resolution through restorative justice:

• This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (opens in a new window)
• telephone 0800 612 6505