WHAT IS A HATE CRIME?

A hate crime is a crime/criminal offence committed against a person based on the personal characteristics of the victim – this could be a number of things, for example; religion, age, disability, race and ethnicity.

The term ‘hate crime’ constitutes a number of criminal offences, including:

- Name calling

- Threatening behaviour

- Swearing and abusive remarks

- Bullying

- Harassment and/or Intimidation

- Spitting or insulting gestures

- Physical assault

- Criminal damage to property

REMEMBER: ANYONE CAN BE A VICTIM OF HATE CRIME - A VICTIM DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE GROUP AT WHICH THE HOSTILITY IS TARGETED!

Hate Incidents – what’s the difference

A hate incident differs from a hate crime – a hate incident is every incident which is committed with the perception that it was motivated by hostility/prejudice towards a personal characteristic but may not constitute a criminal offence (i.e.: a wheelchair is refused entry to a nightclub or the sale of ‘Golliwog’ dolls in stores).

So, who can report a hate crime?

ANYONE CAN, INCLUDING:

- Victims

- Witness

- Residents of the area in which the crime was committed

- Carers of the victim

- Community Group

- A 3rd Party (someone reporting on behalf someone else – i.e.: witness, victim).

IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS

If you have been the victim of a hate crime/incident, Remember N.H.S.C.S.L.:

N = Noise! Make as much noise as possible to get the attention of people in the area.

H = Help! Get help immediately.

S = Safety! As soon as you can, get yourself into a place of safety immediately.

C = Call! Call the police to make a report – don’t forget to tell them why you think you were targeted.

S = Don’t Shower! DO NOT shower or change your clothes – it may destroy any vital evidence.

L = Locks! If your keys were taken during the incident, you need to change your locks.

If you don’t wish to speak to the police, then you can report the crime another way. You can speak to a Community Engagement Officer, Campus Security, report it online at TrueVision or speak to a Hate Crime Champion!