Hate Crime & Discrimination

Promoting Respect, Equality, Safety and Community Cohesion Everyone has the right to live free from hatred, discrimination, harassment, intimidation and violence. Hate crime can have a significant impact on individuals, families and communities. It can affect people's wellbeing, confidence, mental health, sense of safety and participation in everyday life. This page provides information about hate crime, discrimination, legal protections, reporting concerns, support services and community resources available throughout the UK. This information is intended for general guidance only and does not replace legal or professional advice.

Understanding Hate Crime

What is a Hate Crime?

A hate crime is any criminal offence that is perceived by the victim or another person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a protected characteristic.

In England and Wales, monitored hate crime strands include:

• Disability.
• Race or ethnicity.
• Religion or belief.
• Sexual orientation.
• Transgender identity.

Hate crimes can include:

• Assault.
• Criminal damage.
• Harassment.
• Threats.
• Abuse.
• Stalking.
• Online abuse.
• Public order offences.

Crown Prosecution Service

https://www.cps.gov.uk/crime-info/hate-crime

Government Information

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hate-crime-action-plan-2024

Hate Incidents

Hate Incidents vs Hate Crimes

Not all hate-related behaviour amounts to a criminal offence.

A hate incident is:

Any non-crime incident perceived by the victim or another person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice.

Even where a criminal offence has not occurred, reporting incidents may help authorities identify patterns of behaviour and protect communities.

Disability Hate Crime

Understanding Disability Hate Crime

Disability hate crime occurs when someone is targeted because of:

• Physical disability.
• Learning disability.
• Sensory impairment.
• Mental health condition.
• Long-term health condition.
• Neurodivergence.

Examples may include:

• Verbal abuse.
• Harassment.
• Bullying.
• Criminal damage.
• Physical assaults.
• Online abuse.
• Mate crime.
• Exploitation.

Disability Rights UK

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org

True Vision

https://www.report-it.org.uk

Mate Crime

What is Mate Crime?

Mate crime occurs when someone pretends to be a friend in order to:

• Exploit.
• Manipulate.
• Steal from.
• Abuse.
• Control a vulnerable person.

This often affects:

• People with learning disabilities.
• People with cognitive impairments.
• Socially isolated individuals.

Mate crime should be treated seriously and may involve safeguarding concerns as well as criminal offences.

Ann Craft Trust

https://www.anncrafttrust.org

Racist Hate Crime

Race and Ethnicity-Based Hate Crime

Racist hate crime involves hostility based on:

• Race.
• Colour.
• Nationality.
• Ethnic origin.
• Citizenship.

Examples may include:

• Verbal abuse.
• Threatening behaviour.
• Physical attacks.
• Criminal damage.
• Online abuse.
• Harassment.

Stop Hate UK

https://www.stophateuk.org

True Vision

https://www.report-it.org.uk

Religious Hate Crime

Faith-Based Hate Crime

Religious hate crime targets people because of their:

• Religion.
• Belief.
• Faith community.
• Religious practices.

This may affect people from any faith or belief background.

Examples include:

• Harassment.
• Threats.
• Vandalism.
• Assaults.
• Online abuse.
• Community intimidation.

Community Security Trust

https://cst.org.uk

Tell MAMA

https://tellmamauk.org

LGBTQ+ Hate Crime

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Hate Crime

LGBTQ+ individuals may experience hate crime because of:

• Sexual orientation.
• Gender identity.
• Gender reassignment.
• Perceived LGBTQ+ status.

Examples include:

• Verbal abuse.
• Harassment.
• Threats.
• Assaults.
• Criminal damage.
• Online abuse.

Everyone has the right to live free from hostility, intimidation and discrimination.

Galop

https://galop.org.uk

Stonewall

https://www.stonewall.org.uk

Online Hate Crime

Hate Crime Online

Hate crime can occur through:

• Social media.
• Messaging apps.
• Online forums.
• Gaming platforms.
• Video-sharing sites.

Examples include:

• Hate speech.
• Threats.
• Harassment.
• Targeted abuse.
• Sharing hateful content.

Online behaviour can still amount to criminal conduct.

Report Harmful Online Content

https://reportharmfulcontent.com

Ofcom

https://www.ofcom.org.uk

Discrimination

Understanding Discrimination

Discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfairly because of a protected characteristic.

Protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 include:

• Age.
• Disability.
• Gender reassignment.
• Marriage and civil partnership.
• Pregnancy and maternity.
• Race.
• Religion or belief.
• Sex.
• Sexual orientation.

Not all discrimination is a hate crime, but both may occur together.

Equality and Human Rights Commission

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com

Equality Act 2010

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents

Reporting Hate Crime

Why Report?

Reporting helps:

• Protect victims.
• Identify offenders.
• Improve community safety.
• Prevent escalation.
• Support investigations.
• Improve understanding of local issues.

You do not need evidence before reporting concerns.

Anti-Semitism

Understanding Anti-Semitism

Anti-Semitism refers to hostility, prejudice, discrimination or hate directed towards Jewish people because they are Jewish or perceived to be Jewish.

Anti-Semitism can include:

• Verbal abuse.
• Threats.
• Harassment.
• Criminal damage.
• Physical assaults.
• Online abuse.
• Hate incidents targeting Jewish communities.

Everyone has the right to practise their faith and live free from discrimination and hatred.

Community Security Trust (CST)

https://cst.org.uk

Report Hate Crime

https://www.report-it.org.uk

Understanding Anti-Muslim Hate

Islamophobia refers to hostility, prejudice or discrimination directed towards Muslims or people perceived to be Muslim.

This may include:

• Verbal abuse.
• Harassment.
• Threats.
• Assaults.
• Damage to property.
• Online abuse.

Religious freedom is protected under UK law.

Tell MAMA

https://tellmamauk.org

True Vision

https://www.report-it.org.uk

Disability Mate Crime

Exploitation Disguised as Friendship

Mate crime occurs when someone pretends to be a friend in order to exploit, abuse or take advantage of a disabled or vulnerable person.

Examples include:

• Theft.
• Financial exploitation.
• Coercion.
• Emotional abuse.
• Sexual exploitation.
• Criminal exploitation.

Victims may not always recognise they are being exploited.

Ann Craft Trust

https://www.anncrafttrust.org

Disability Rights UK

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org

Transphobic Hate Crime

Hate Crime Based on Gender Identity

Transphobic hate crime involves hostility directed towards a person because they are transgender or perceived to be transgender.

Examples include:

• Threats.
• Harassment.
• Assaults.
• Criminal damage.
• Online abuse.
• Stalking.

Everyone has the right to safety, dignity and equal protection under the law.

Galop

https://galop.org.uk

Homophobic Hate Crime

Hate Crime Based on Sexual Orientation

Homophobic hate crime involves hostility towards a person's sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation.

This may involve:

• Verbal abuse.
• Threats.
• Harassment.
• Violence.
• Online abuse.

Galop

https://galop.org.uk

Stonewall

https://www.stonewall.org.uk

Misogyny & Gender-Based Harassment

Understanding Gender-Based Harassment

Gender-based harassment may involve unwanted behaviour directed towards someone because of their sex or gender.

Examples may include:

• Harassment.
• Intimidation.
• Sexual harassment.
• Threats.
• Online abuse.
• Public harassment.

Not all gender-based harassment is currently classified as hate crime, but it may still constitute criminal or unlawful behaviour.

Equality and Human Rights Commission

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com

Rights of Women

https://rightsofwomen.org.uk

Community Tensions & Extremism

Promoting Safe and Inclusive Communities

Community tensions can arise due to:

• Misinformation.
• Hate incidents.
• Political events.
• International conflicts.
• Extremist activity.

Communities benefit when concerns are addressed through lawful, respectful and peaceful means.

Government Community Cohesion Information

https://www.gov.uk

Radicalisation & Prevent

Understanding Radicalisation

Radicalisation occurs when a person is encouraged to support extremist ideologies or activities.

Extremism can come from a range of ideological, political, religious or other motivations.

Warning signs may include:

• Increasing isolation.
• Exposure to extremist content.
• Justification of violence.
• Sudden behavioural changes.

Prevent Programme

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance

ACT Early

https://actearly.uk

Telephone:

0800 011 3764

Freedom of Speech vs Hate Crime

Understanding the Difference

Freedom of expression is a fundamental right protected by law.

However, rights come with responsibilities.

Speech may become unlawful where it involves:

• Threats.
• Harassment.
• Incitement to violence.
• Criminal communications.
• Hate crime offences.

The law seeks to balance:

• Freedom of expression.
• Protection from harm.
• Public safety.
• Individual rights.

Human Rights Act 1998

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/contents

School-Based Hate Incidents

Hate Incidents Affecting Children and Young People

Schools may experience incidents involving:

• Racism.
• Disability-related bullying.
• Religious prejudice.
• Homophobia.
• Transphobia.
• Online abuse.

Schools have safeguarding and equality responsibilities to respond appropriately.

Keeping Children Safe in Education

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2

Workplace Discrimination

Equality at Work

Everyone should be treated fairly in employment.

Discrimination may involve:

• Recruitment.
• Promotion.
• Training opportunities.
• Workplace treatment.
• Harassment.

Protected characteristics are covered under the Equality Act 2010.

ACAS

https://www.acas.org.uk

Equality Advisory Support Service

https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com

Hate Crime Against Older People

Abuse Targeting Older Adults

Older people may experience:

• Verbal abuse.
• Harassment.
• Financial exploitation.
• Disability-related hate crime.
• Community intimidation.

Concerns should be taken seriously and may require safeguarding intervention.

Hourglass

https://wearehourglass.org

Age UK

https://www.ageuk.org.uk

Online Radicalisation

Extremism Online

Extremist groups may use:

• Social media.
• Gaming platforms.
• Messaging services.
• Online forums.

Young people and vulnerable adults may be particularly at risk.

Parents, carers and professionals should encourage open discussion and critical thinking.

ACT Early

https://actearly.uk

Restorative Justice

Repairing Harm

Restorative justice brings together victims and offenders, where appropriate and voluntary, to discuss harm caused by an offence.

Potential benefits may include:

• Greater understanding.
• Accountability.
• Closure for victims.
• Community healing.

Participation should always be voluntary and properly supported.

Restorative Justice Council

https://restorativejustice.org.uk

Community Cohesion & Inclusion

Building Stronger Communities

Community cohesion means creating environments where:

• People feel safe.
• Diversity is respected.
• Differences are understood.
• Communities work together.
• Equality is promoted.

Positive community relationships can help reduce:

• Hate crime.
• Discrimination.
• Isolation.
• Extremism.
• Social tensions.

Community safety is strengthened when everyone feels valued, respected and included.

Equality, Human Rights & Legal Protections

Everyone has rights under UK law including:

• Freedom of religion and belief.
• Freedom of expression within the law.
• Freedom from discrimination.
• Freedom from harassment.
• Protection from violence and abuse.
• Equal treatment under the law.
• Respect for private and family life.

Relevant legislation includes:

• Equality Act 2010.
• Human Rights Act 1998.
• Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
• Public Order Act 1986.
• Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
• Criminal Justice Act 2003.
• Online Safety Act 2023.
• Data Protection Act 2018.

Public authorities should act fairly, lawfully, proportionately and without discrimination while protecting the rights of all individuals and communities.

Key Message

Everyone deserves to live free from hate, prejudice, discrimination, intimidation and violence.

Creating safer communities requires respect, understanding, lawful behaviour, safeguarding awareness, community support and equal protection for all.

If you experience or witness hate crime, discrimination or extremism-related concerns, support and reporting options are available.

Report to Police

Emergency

999

Non-Emergency

101

Online Reporting

https://www.police.uk

True Vision

True Vision allows reporting of hate crime and hate incidents.

https://www.report-it.org.uk

Third-Party Reporting Centres

Some organisations and community groups provide independent reporting options.

This can be helpful where someone feels uncomfortable reporting directly to police.

Find local services through:

https://www.stophateuk.org

Victims' Rights

Rights of Victims

Victims of hate crime may be entitled to support under the Victims' Code.

Rights may include:

• Being treated with dignity and respect.
• Access to information.
• Access to support services.
• Victim personal statements.
• Special measures where appropriate.
• Updates on investigations.

Victims' Code

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-code-of-practice-for-victims-of-crime

Victims' Commissioner

https://victimscommissioner.org.uk

Community Support

Building Safer Communities

Communities can help tackle hate crime by:

• Promoting inclusion.
• Challenging prejudice.
• Supporting victims.
• Reporting concerns.
• Encouraging respectful dialogue.
• Working with local organisations.

Preventing hate crime benefits everyone and helps create safer, stronger communities.

Mental Health & Wellbeing Support

Experiencing hate crime can affect:

• Mental health.
• Confidence.
• Relationships.
• Community participation.
• Sense of safety.

Support is available.

NHS Mental Health Support

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health

Mind

https://www.mind.org.uk

Samaritans

https://www.samaritans.org

Telephone:

116 123

Support Organisations

Hate Crime Support

True Vision

https://www.report-it.org.uk

Stop Hate UK

https://www.stophateuk.org

Disability Support

Disability Rights UK

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org

Ann Craft Trust

https://www.anncrafttrust.org

LGBTQ+ Support

Galop

https://galop.org.uk

Stonewall

https://www.stonewall.org.uk

Religious Hate Crime Support

Tell MAMA

https://tellmamauk.org

Community Security Trust

https://cst.org.uk

Human Rights & Legal Protections

Everyone has the right to:

• Live free from violence.
• Live free from discrimination.
• Freedom of religion and belief.
• Freedom of expression within the law.
• Equal treatment under the law.
• Protection from harassment.
• Protection from abuse and exploitation.
• Access justice and support.

Relevant legislation includes:

• Equality Act 2010.
• Human Rights Act 1998.
• Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
• Public Order Act 1986.
• Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
• Criminal Justice Act 2003.
• Data Protection Act 2018.

Public authorities should act lawfully, fairly, proportionately and without discrimination while protecting the rights of all individuals and communities.

Important Notice

This website provides general information only and does not provide legal advice, investigations or emergency services.

If you are in immediate danger call 999.

If you have experienced a hate crime, discrimination, harassment or abuse, consider reporting it to the police, relevant support organisations or specialist services.

Information should always be checked against official government, statutory and professional guidance as laws and procedures may change.