Hate crime hitting the headlines

As police investigate possible hate crimes from protest rallies held on Armistice Day, it’s more important than ever to be aware of what exactly constitutes hate crime. 

Tackling hate crime is crucial as it helps protect people from physical and emotional harm.

At Crimestoppers, we believe everyone has a right to feel safe from crime. This includes individuals and communities being able to live free from fear and discrimination. 

What is hate crime? 

An act of behaviour or hostility that is usually motivated by hatred of a person’s disability, age, race, religion, transgender identity or sexual orientation.
 
Hate crime falls into three main types:

1. Physical assault

All physical assaults are an offence and could be counted as hate crime towards the victim. 

2. Verbal abuse

Often victims and witnesses alike are unclear whether an offence has been committed or believe that there is little they can do if it was verbal. 

3. Incitement to hatred

This is when someone acts in a way that is threatening and intended to stir up hatred. That could be in words, pictures, videos or music, and includes information posted on websites.

Be confident that there is always something that can be done. Even if your information doesn't lead to an arrest, it could help law enforcement in the area where the offence took place to build a better picture. 

Hate content may include:

• messages calling for violence against a specific person or group
• web pages that show pictures, videos or descriptions of violence against anyone due to their perceived differences
• chat forums where people ask other people to commit hate crimes against a specific person or group

You can be the change. Did you see something, but didn’t say anything? You have a second chance to act and stand up for victims of hate crime.
 

TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW. 100% ANONYMOUSLY. ALWAYS

Are you a victim of hate crime?

 Due to our anonymity guarantee, we can't take information from victims of hate crime. In an emergency, always call 999. If you are a victim of hate crime, call the police or contact Victim Support who, if you decide to report the crime, can help you navigate the criminal justice system and make a compensation claim.

 
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