Hate crime is a generic term used for both:
- hate crimes; these are any crimes the victim, or someone else are motivated by hostility or prejudice
- hate incidents; feel like crimes and often escalate to crimes or tensions in a community
People commit hate crimes and hate incidents because of a person’s actual or perceived:
- race including:
- ethnicity
- nationality or national origin
- gypsy
- roma
- traveller communities
- religion or belief including no faith
- sexual orientation including gay, lesbian and bisexual
- gender identity including transgender, non-binary and gender fluid
- disability including learning, mental health, physical or sensory disability
Hate crime can take many forms, including:
- threat of or actual assault
- verbal abuse
- inciting others to commit hate crime
- intimidating behaviour or harassment, including online
- damage to property, including arson
- offensive leaflets, posters or graffiti
Why you should report hate crime
Hate crime in any form is inexcusable.
By reporting hate crime, you can get help and support if you need it.
If you tell someone, such as a friend, family member or agency, it gives you an opportunity to talk about what happened and decide what action to take.
You may want someone to speak to the police on your behalf or you might decide to report using a different option.
Anyone can report hate crime, regardless of whether they are the victim, witness, or are reporting on behalf of someone else.
If you report hate crime, you may help the police understand the level 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.
Report a hate crime
There are several ways to report hate crime.
Essex Police
You can report hate crime to Essex Police:
- in person at a police station
- call 999 for emergencies
- call their 24 hour non-emergency number 101
- online on the Essex Police website
Stop Hate UK
Stop Hate UK are a national hate crime charity that provide a free and anonymous, 24/7 reporting and information line to people in Essex.
You can report hate crime to Stop Hate UK:
- on their free 24 hour hotline on 0800 138 1625
- on their free hotline for under 18s on 0808 801 0576
- online on the Stop Hate website
True Vision
You can report hate crime online at the True Vision website .
Hate Incident Reporting Centre (HIRC)
HIRCs are community venues where you can:
- report hate crime
- find support on hate crime
You can find details of HIRCs in our area on the Essex Police website
You can also;
- report hate crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
- contact our Community Safety team or speak to your housing officer
Information and support
There are a range of services that provide information and support on hate crime.
Victim Support
Victim Support are a national charity that provides free and independent practical and emotional support to victims of crime or traumatic incidents. You can use their services regardless of when the crime happened or if the police are involved.
You can contact Victim Support:
- through Esssex Victim support on 0808 178 1694 , open 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
- on their national, 24/7 Supportline on 0808 168 9111
- online on the Victim Support website
Criminal Justice System
You can visit the Criminal Justice System website to find out what to do if you are a victim of hate crime.
Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice or mediation puts the victim of a crime in contact with the person responsible to try to find a way forward.
This is voluntary and both sides need to agree for the contact to take place. This is not an alternative to a court-imposed sentence.
You can visit the Essex Restorative and Mediation service website for more information.
