Hate crime – if you see it, report it
Hate crime – if you see it, report it
Unfortunately, the number of reported hate crimes in the city increased last year to 809 (a rise from 721 the previous year) so it is vital that we all work together to make our neighbourhoods safer places for everyone.
What is hate crime?
A hate crime is any behaviour that someone thinks was caused by hostility, prejudice or hatred of their:
- Disability, including physical impairments, mental health problems, learning disabilities, hearing and visual impairments
- Gender identity (people who are transgender, transsexual or transvestite)
- Race, skin colour, nationality, ethnicity or heritage
- Religion, faith or belief, including people without a religious belief
- Sexual orientation (people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or heterosexual etc)
Anyone can be a victim of hate crime if they are targeted because of who they are, their friends or family or even who the perpetrator thinks they are.
Hate crime can include:
- Name calling or verbal abuse
- Graffiti or abusive writing
- Damage to property
- Threats or intimidation
- Bullying or harassment
- Physical attacks or violence, including sexual violence, arson and murder.
Why should I report hate crime?
By reporting hate crime, you can get the support you may need and help ensure offenders are brought to justice and can’t do the same to other people.
By reporting incidents, you’ll enable us and the Police to build up patterns of behaviour locally and highlight areas of concern within your community, as well as helping the victims of hate crime.
By reporting what’s happened to you, you may also prevent these incidents from happening to someone else.
What can I do if I’ve been a victim or witness of hate crime?
- If it’s an emergency situation dial 999, in a non-emergency call 101 or report it to Hampshire Police online.
- To make an anonymous report, visit the report-it website or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
- Report it to your Local Housing Office who can make reports on your behalf, take tenancy action where appropriate and provide help and advice
