Hate Crime – ways to report

Understanding what Hate Crime is and how to report it confidentially

Hate Crime is defined as 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. A victim does not have to be a member of the group at which the hostility is targeted.

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 us on: 999
  • The non-emergency number to call is: 101
  • The non-emergency number for Deaf people/Speech Impaired people is: 07781 480999
  • Report online: Hampshire Constabulary

Non-Police local reporting-alternatives

It is widely accepted that hate crimes are under-reported. Not all victims are comfortable with reporting their experiences directly to the police.  They may:

  • Find visiting police stations intimidating or daunting
  • Think the police won’t believe them or take them seriously
  • Be unaware they are victims of hate crimes
  • Not be aware of alternative ways to report hate crimes
  • Experience a lack of support to help victims make a report, e.g. interpreters
  • Fear being outed in terms of their sexual orientation or disability

Third party Reporting Centres (TPRCs) overcome these barriers by providing an alternative way to report a hate crime, give confidential advice, and support you along the way. You can remain anonymous if you wish, and you don’t need to have contact with the police if you don’t want to.  There are now more than 60 TPRCs across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. For an up-to-date list visit the Police and Crime Commissioner website.

National independent reporting alternatives

You can also report hate crime at one of the following national independent reporting sites without revealing your personal details:

Understanding Hate Crime

Hate crime can take the form of:

  • Physical violence or assault
  • Verbal abuse or threats
  • Obscene calls or texts
  • Offensive mail or email
  • Harassment, exclusion or isolation
  • Damage to property

Race Hate Crime - Any incident that is perceived to be based upon prejudice towards or hatred of the victim because of their actual or perceived race. Racism describes a complex series of attitudes, actions and words that discriminate against people on the basis of their skin colour, country of origin, religion, ethnic identity or nationality.

Disability Hate Crime - Any incident that is perceived to be based upon prejudice towards or hatred of the victim because they are, or are perceived to be, a disabled person.

Gender Identity Hate Crime - Any incident that is perceived to be based upon prejudice towards or hatred of the victim because they are, or are perceived to be, transgender or gender non-binary.

Religious Hate Crime - Any incident that is perceived to be based upon prejudice towards or hatred of the victim because of their actual or perceived religion or belief or lack thereof.

Sexual Orientation Hate Crime - Any incident that is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice based on a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation.