National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2022 takes place from 8th to 15th October.
International Newcastle supports awareness raising around hate crime and reporting of any incidents in our city. We support activities which promote intercultural awareness and tolerance and which celebrate the diversity of our city and communities.
This article contains summary information and links about Hate Crime, how to report it and resources available. The National Hate Crime Awareness Week website has more details of the initiative and campaigns and how to get involved.
What is Hate Crime?
Hate crimes and hate incidents include any behaviour that is targeted at a person or group of people because of hostility or prejudice towards them. A crime or incident is classed as ‘hate’ crime or incident if the person the act is aimed at, or a person witnessing the act, targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards their:
• race or ethnicity
• religion or belief
• sexual orientation
• gender identity
• disability
They can be committed against a person or property. A victim does not have to be a member of the group at which the hostility is targeted. In fact, anyone could be a victim of a hate crime.
A victim of a hate crime/ incident does not have to be a member of a minority group or someone who is generally considered to be vulnerable.
Incidents may involve physical assault, damage to property, bullying, harassment, verbal abuse or insults, offensive graffiti or letters /text messages emails/ comments over social networks.
Hate Incidents can feel like crimes to those who suffer them and often escalate to crimes or tension in a community. For this reason the police are concerned about incidents and you can use the True Vision website to report non-crime hate incidents. The police can only prosecute when the law is broken but can work with partners to try and prevent any escalation in seriousness.
True Vision Website
On the True Vision website you can:
- Find out what hate crime and hate incidents are
- find out ways that you can report them
- Report to the police using the online hate crime reporting form
- Find information about people who can provide you with advice and support
- Download resources
Why should I report hate crime?
Hate crimes and incidents hurt; they can be confusing and frightening. By reporting them when they happen to you, you may be able to prevent these incidents from happening to someone else. You will also help the police understand the extent of hate crime in your local area so they can better respond to it. Reporting makes a difference – to you, your friends, and your life.
How can I report Hate Crime?
There are several ways you can report a hate crime, whether you have been a victim, a witness, or you are reporting on behalf of someone else:
In an emergency call 999 or 112. If you cannot make voice calls, you can now contact the 999 emergency services by SMS text from your mobile phone. However, you will only be able to use this service if you have registered with emergencySMS first. Click on this link for the emergencySMS website for details.
Contact the police who you can speak to in confidence. You do not have to give your personal details, but please be aware the investigation and ability to prosecute the offender(s) is severely limited if the police cannot contact you. Contact your local police force, either by telephone or by visiting your local police station. Details on how to contact your local police force can be found at www.police.uk
Report online using the facility here: ‘Reporting online’
Self-reporting form, which can be downloaded and sent this to your local police force. The form, including an Easy Read version, can be found here: ‘Report a hate crime’
Third party reporting centres: Local agencies such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, Community Voluntary Services etc can also report the incident on your behalf and provide you with advice and support. Click on this link to find out more about ‘Organisations that can help’
Crimestoppers: If you do not want to talk to the police or fill in the reporting forms, you can still report a hate crime by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Tell them what you know 100% anonymously. Always. Speak up. Stop crime. Stay safe.
More information listed on the police funded True Vision website: www.report-it.org.uk