National Hate Crime Awareness Week brings attention to issues that often stem from discrimination. Hate Crime certainly causes many problems, but solves none. Which is why campaigns like StophateUK’s are so important. It’s necessary to acknowledge that there are problems if we mean to address them. To do this we need to note that a Hate Crime and hate incident are not the same thing, though one can certainly lead to the other.
When reporting a Hate Crime there are different avenues. You can report it to the police or other 3rd party reporting centres, like Advice Portsmouth.
What is a Hate Crime?
A Hate Crime is any criminal offence that is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate, based on a person’s actual or perceived race, religious belief, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity.
Hate Crime can be:
- Physical abuse or violence
- Verbal abuse or threats
- Sexual Abuse
- Offensive calls or text messages
- Written or printed abuse such as offensive mail and or email
- Indirect attacks
- Harassment, exclusion or isolation
- Damage to property
- Online Abuse
What is a Hate Incident?
A Hate Incident is recorded when someone is discriminated against because of any of the listed characteristics. Hate Crime Incidents could include refusing to sit next to someone due to their disability or race and or laughing at jokes about a listed characteristic. This behaviour is not acceptable and in England and Wales the Police record and investigate them. In many cases Hate Incidents can turn into Hate Crimes. For example, bullying can become the criminal offence of harassment.
I was walking down the road, and saw someone hurling abuse at a group of students. Using profanities and shouting ‘go back to your country’
If you witness this, it’s best to report it. Either to the police or Police Support Community Officers. This behaviour is not acceptable and the police will record and investigate it. It’s important to report incidents like this so the police and their partners have a better understanding of hate crime in communities. This way they can put the right resources in the right areas.
Do you have to be the victim to call in?
If you are a victim or a witness to a Hate Crime, you can report to the police.
- In emergencies, call the police on 999
- If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech impairment, a text phone is available on 18000
- Pre-registered users can also text Hampshire Constabulary on 999
- The non-emergency number for your police force is 101
- The non-emergency number for Deaf or Speech Impaired people is 07781 480 999
- Report online: hampshire.police.uk
True Vision provides advice and support to victims of hate incidents and crime, including online reporting. report-it.org.uk
Or…
However, if you do not feel comfortable in speaking with the Police for example:
- Police stations are intimidating or scary
- They will not take the matter seriously
- Experience of lack of support to help victims to make a report
- Fear being outed in terms of the sexual orientation or disability
There are Third Party Reporting Centres in Portsmouth who provide an alternative way for you to report the Hate Crime. They also offer confidential advice and support you along the way. When reporting a hate crime, you can remain anonymous and you do not need to have contact with the police if you do not wish to.
When someone contacts us at Advice Portsmouth, they will speak with one of our Frontline Advisors. They will listen together and provide advice and support. For example, supporting you to reporting the Hate Crime. Our team of Frontline Advisors have all receivied training in how to deal with Hate Crime reporting.
Call Advice Portsmouth
Please contact us on 023 92794 340.
