Hate crimes are acts of violence or hostility directed at individuals because of who they are, or who someone perceives them to be. These crimes can have a profound impact on victims and communities, and it’s crucial to understand what constitutes a hate crime and how to seek help.
You may be a victim of a hate crime if you believe you have been targeted because of:
- Race (including ethnicity & country of origin)
- Religion (including belief or lack of)
- Sexual orientation
- Disability (including mental health & learning disabilities)
- Gender identity
- Any other perceived difference
These aspects of a person’s identity are known as protected characteristics. For more information on your rights, visit www.gov.uk/discrimination-your-rights.
Hate crimes can include:
- Verbal abuse
- Intimidation
- Threats
- Harassment
- Bullying
- Assault
- Damage to property
The person committing the hate crime may be someone you don’t know, but it could also be a friend, relative, carer, or an acquaintance who is looking to exploit their relationship with you for financial or criminal gain.
For more details, please refer to our leaflet linked below.
How to Report Hate Crime to the Police
For immediate danger or ongoing incidents, always call 999. For non-emergencies, you can report hate crimes to the West Midlands Police:
- Online Reporting: Use the West Midlands Police website to report hate crimes, including online hate crimes.
- Phone Reporting: Call 101 to report non-emergency hate crimes.
- Visit a Police Station: You can also visit your local police station to report the crime in person.