Hate crime
The Home Office defines a hate crime as any criminal offence that is motivated by hostility or prejudice based upon the victim’s:
- disability
- race
- religion or belief
- sexual orientation
- transgender
Hate crime can take many forms including:
- physical attacks – such as physical assault, damage to property, offensive graffiti and arson
- threat of attack – such as offensive letters, abusive or obscene telephone calls
- verbal abuse or insults - offensive leaflets and posters, abusive gestures or bullying at school or in the workplace.
A victim of hate crime does not have to be a member of a minority group or someone who is generally considered to be a ‘vulnerable’ person; anyone could be a victim of a hate crime.
Reporting a hate crime:
In an emergency dial 999 or 112 to receive an immediate police response.
You can report the incident at your local police station or call Staffordshire Police on the non-emergency number 0300 123 4455.You can also ask to speak to one of Staffordshire Police’s hate crime officers.
You can also contact Victim Support, which is an independent national charity where staff and volunteers are trained to provide emotional support and practical assistance. Anyone affected by crime can contact Victim Support for help, regardless of whether they’ve reported the crime to the police or how long ago the crime took place. Victim Support line: 0845 30 30 900, www.victimsupport.org.uk
East Staffordshire Borough Council is a member of the Partnership against Crimes of Hate (PACH), which is a multi agency forum based in East Staffordshire that shares information about hate crime. Membership includes Staffordshire County Council, East Staffordshire Racial Equality Council and Staffordshire Police.