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Hate crime

 
The Home Office defines Hate Crime as any criminal offence committed against a person or property that is motivated by an offender’s hatred for someone because of their:

  • race, ethnic origin, nationality or national origins
  • religion
  • gender or gender identity
  • sexual orientation
  • disability.
Hate crime can happen anywhere – in the home, school, work or when you are walking down the street. Most hate criminals live in the same neighbourhood as their victim. Most hate crimes happen near to the victim’s home while they are going about their daily business.

Types of hate crime

Harassment and hate crime can take many forms including:

  • physical attacks such as:
    • physical assault
    • damage to property
    • offensive graffiti
    • neighbour disputes
    • arson
  • threat of attack including:
    • offensive letters
    • abusive or obscene telephone calls
    • groups hanging around to intimidate
    • unfounded, malicious complaints
  • verbal abuse or insults:
    • offensive leaflets and posters
    • abusive gestures
    • dumping of rubbish outside homes or through letterboxes
    • bullying at school or in the workplace.
How to report harassment or hate crime.

If you have any doubts about reporting hate crime, see our frequently asked questions below.

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