A hate crime is a crime committed against someone because of their:
- disability
- race
- religion
- sexual orientation
- transgender identity
You may also be a victim of hate crime because the offender thinks you have one of these characteristics, even if you do not. For example, if they think you belong to a particular religion.
Hate crimes can include:
- assault
- damage to property
- harassment
- inciting others to commit hate crimes
- online abuse
- robbery
- threatening behaviour
Hate crime strikes at the heart of communities, but together we can tackle those responsible for hate crime and help to keep our communities safe from hate.
Reporting a hate crime
The easiest way to report a hate crime is online via the Police UK website.
You can report a hate crime at a police station, or by calling the police on 101 (or 999 if it's an emergency).
You can also download a self-reporting form and fill it in, then hand it in at a police station or send it to the police by post.
If you'd rather speak to someone who is not a police officer, you can go to a third-party reporting centre. Each centre has trained staff who can give you advice about what to do next.
Support for victims
There are several national organisations which offer support to victims of hate crime. They provide services like helplines, guidance, confidential safety advice, and training. Some may be able to report a hate crime on your behalf.
Changing Faces is a disfigurement charity providing support, advice, and advocacy.
Community Security Trust (CST) provides victim support and deals with antisemitic incidents.
deafPlus is a charity for deaf and hard-of-hearing people which provides advocacy, support, and advice.
Galop is a charity tackling hate crime against the LGBT+ community.
Mencap is a charity for people with learning disabilities, providing advice and support.
Report Racism GRT is a hate incident reporting and support service run by and for Gypsy, Traveller, and Roma communities in the UK.
Stop Hate UK works to challenge all forms of hate crime and discrimination based on any aspect of an individual's identity.
TellMAMA is a national hate crime monitoring and support service for victims of anti-Muslim hatred.