Why do we need to act on hate crime?
Hate crime is different to other forms of crime. It targets people because of their identity. It is a form of discrimination that infringes human rights and keeps people from enjoying the full benefits of our society.
Research has shown that hate crimes cause greater psychological harm than similar crimes without a motivation of prejudice. Hate crime creates fear in victims, groups and communities and encourages communities to turn on each other.
How hate crime affects people
The effects of hate crime will be different for different people, but often include:
- anger and fear of repeat attacks
- depression and a worsening of existing health conditions, including mental health issues
- a financial burden, for example, having to replace and repair vandalised property, or having to take time off work
- victims changing their personal appearance, accommodation and, or daily patterns to avoid being victimised
Victims of Hate Crime
We understand that it is sometimes difficult to go to the police about hate crime. If you are a victim of hate crime or know someone who is, there are various support agencies in place to support and offer guidance.
There are also third-party reporting schemes which allow victims to report a hate crime to the police anonymously or confidentially via a third party, like a community group or website, including: Citizens Advice Bureaus provide free, confidential and independent advice from over 3,000 locations including in bureaus, GP surgeries, hospitals, colleges, prisons and courts. Advice is available face-to-face and by telephone. Most bureaus offer home visits and some also provide email advice.
The EHRC has a Helpline to give information and guidance on discrimination and human rights issues. You can contact them by telephone, text phone, letter, email or fax. If you are contacting by post about an issue for the first time, please do not send any documents with your letter. They will come back to you to let you know what documents they will need to see. The helpline offices do not accept visitors and only provide a phone and correspondence service. We are not able to provide face to face advice. Website: www.equalityhumanrights.com (new window) Stop Hate UK is a charity that provides independent and confidential support to people affected by Hate Crime. They provide Hate Crime reporting services in some areas of the UK. Please check their list of areas carefully before calling. Hate crime in any form is unacceptable. That is why it is important that if you or someone you know experiences hate crime, that you report it. True Vision is an initiative designed to provide you with information about hate crime and how you can report it.
Victim Support is the national charity giving free and confidential help to victims of crime, witnesses, their family, friends and anyone else affected. They are not a government agency or part of the police and you don't have to report a crime to the police to get their help. You can call any time after the crime has happened, whether it was yesterday, last week or several years ago. VOICE UK operates a telephone helpline staffed between 9 am and 4 pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9 am to 12 noon on Wednesday and 10 am to 5 pm on Friday. The helpline number: 080 8802 8686 is displayed on every page on the website. The helpline is also for parents, carers and professional workers. We provide help and information about how to do things, like making a complaint, and what to do if you need help if you are a victim or witness to a crime.
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