Hate Crime: Understanding, Impact, and Support

Hate crime is a serious issue that affects individuals, families, and entire communities. It is driven by hostility or prejudice and can cause long-lasting emotional and physical harm. Understanding what hate crime is and knowing where to get support are important steps in standing against hate.

What Is a Hate Crime?

A hate crime occurs when someone is targeted because of hostility or prejudice towards their identity. This an include prejudice based on:

• Race or ethnicity

• Religion or belief

• Sexual orientation

• Gender identity

• Disability

What makes a hate crime different from other crimes is the motivation behind it. The offence is not only aimed at one individual but sends a message of fear and exclusion to a wider group.

Types of Hate Crime and Incidents

Hate crimes and hate incidents can take many forms, such as:

• Physical assault

• Damage to property

• Bullying or intimidation

• Harassment

• Verbal abuse or insults

• Offensive graffiti

• Hate letters, text messages, or emails

• Abuse or comments on social media

Who is Affected?

Hate crime affects more than just the person directly targeted. Victims may experience fear, anxiety, stress, or a loss of confidence. Friends, families, and communities can also feel unsafe, angry, or isolated. Hate crime damages trust and creates divisions, impacting society as a whole.

Getting Support and Reporting Hate Crime

If you or someone you know has experienced a hate crime or hate incident, help is available. You do not have to face it alone.

West Midlands Police	In non-emergencies, call 101 In an emergency, call 999 Visit: https://www.west-midlands.police.uk Accessibility text phone: 18001 101 (Emergency: 18001 999)
Remedi  Remedi provides confidential support, advice, and guidance for victims of hate crime	Call: 0800 488 0894 Phonelines are open Monday to Friday 9am–5pm Email: hatecrimevictimservice@remediuk.org
True Vision True Vision offers information about hate crime and advice on how to report it.	Visit: www.report-it.org.uk
Victim Support Victim Support provides free and confidential help for anyone affected by crime.	Visit: https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/ Call: 01384 241511

 

Standing Together Against Hate

Reporting hate crime helps protect individuals and communities and ensures that appropriate support is put in place. By challenging prejudice, supporting victims, and speaking out against hate, we can help build safer, more inclusive communities where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

• Report it — even if you are unsure whether it is a crime. Every report helps build a clearer picture and protect others.

• Seek support — confidential help is available, and you do not have to face this alone.

• Stand up safely — challenge prejudice where it is safe to do so and support those who are targeted.

• Spread awareness — share information about hate crime and reporting options within your community.

Together, we can break the cycle of hate and build a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Don’t stay silent — take a stand today.