What is a hate crime and how we can help?

A hate crime is an act of violence or hostility because of who you are, or because of who someone else thinks you are.

It is an act that is focussed on a person's disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or transgender identity. A hate crime can include verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, bullying, harassment, assault damage to belongings or to property.

What is a hate incident? A hate incident is a behaviour which is not a crime, but which is perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice and can take many forms. Something is a hate incident if the victim or anyone else think it was motivated by hostility or prejudice based on one of the above categories of race etc. If you believe something is a hate incident it should be recorded as such by the person you are reporting it to.

The law considers hate incidents and hate crime to be particularly serious.

If you’ve experienced, or know someone who has experienced, a hate incident or hate crime you can report it to the police. You can contact the police directly, or you can use an online reporting facility such as True Vision.

If you feel you have been the victim of, or you have witnessed a hate crime or incident, we are here to help.

Citizens Advice are committed to supporting everyone and encouraging communities to stand together against all forms of hate crime.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2020 will take place from 10th – 17th October 2020.