Understanding hate crimes, hate incidents, and discrimination protections
We’re here to support you if you’ve experienced hostility, prejudice, or discrimination. Here’s what you need to know about your rights:
WHAT IS HATE CRIME?
A hate crime is any criminal act motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone because of their:
- Race or ethnicity
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation
- Disability
- Transgender identity
A victim does not have to be a member of the group the hostility is targeted at. In fact, anyone could be a victim of a hate crime. For example, you could be called a homophobic slur, even if you’re heterosexual.
Hate crimes are treated seriously because of their impact on individuals and communities.
WHAT Is a HATE INCIDENT?
A hate incident is when someone targets you with hostility or prejudice, but their actions don’t break the law. Examples include:
- Offensive gestures
Even though these incidents aren’t crimes, they can still be reported to authorities and recorded to monitor patterns of behaviour as these could escalate into a crime.
what about other forms of discrimination?
The Equality Act 2010 protects against discrimination in everyday life, such as at work, in education, or when accessing services. This includes protections for:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
While these aren’t covered under hate crime law, any form of discrimination or harassment based on these characteristics is unlawful.
WHY SHOULD I REPORT hate crime and discrimination?
By reporting hate incidents or hate crime:
- You stop it from getting worse.
- You stop it from happening to others.
- You help identify the offenders.
- You make your community safer.
Anybody can report a hate crime—whether they’re the victim, someone who saw the crime, or someone the victim has told about the crime or incident.
If someone’s life is in danger, or a serious crime is taking place, you should always call the police immediately using 999.
In all other cases, you can contact the police on 101. And make sure you say that you believe it’s a hate crime.
If you or the victim don’t want to talk to the police, you can call us on 0800 171 2272.
useful links
Stop Hate UK
Stop Hate UK is one of the leading national organisations working to challenge all forms of hate crime and discrimination, based on any aspect of an individual’s identity. Stop Hate UK provides independent, confidential and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties.
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Victim Support
Victim Support offers emotional and practical support to all people affected by crime, and is committed to providing victims of crime and witnesses in court with appropriate and sufficient recognition, support and information to assist them in dealing with the crimes they have experienced.
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