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.

Hate Crime Victim

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.

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