Hate Crime
- As soon as you can, go somewhere you know is safe and get help.
- In an emergency call 999. Otherwise call 101.
- If you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service, then text 999.
- Deaf or hard of hearing, use our textphone service 18000.
- British Sign Language (BSL) users please use the 999BSL app.
- Report online at www.essex.police.uk a Live Chat option is available.
- Interpreter services are available if English is not your first language
Tell the police what has happened and why you think it happened.
If you feel that you are not confident in reporting the incident directly to the police, you can report a hate crime online at True Vision www.report-it.org.uk
Visit one of the Hate Incident Reporting Centres (HIRCs) whose details you can find at www.essex.police.uk/reporthatecrime
Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Hate crime and hate incidents
Hate Crime Is the generic term we use to discuss both hate crimes and hate incidents.
Hate crimes
Are any criminal offence perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice.
Hate incidents
Feel like crimes and could escalate to crimes or tension in a community.
Both hate crimes and hate incidents can be toward personal characteristics:
Race
Including ethnicity, nationality, national origin, colour, Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities.
Religion or belief
Including non-belief.
Transgender
Including non-binary and gender fluid.
Sexual orientation
Including gay, lesbian and bisexual.
Disability
Including learning, mental health, physical and sensory
disabilities.
Sex or Gender
Where the incident is motivated by hostility or prejudice
towards a person’s sex or gender.
- Threat of, or actual physical assault.
- Verbal abuse or insults, abusive gestures.
- Abusive or intimidating behaviour and harassment in person, by telephone, email, online or social media.
- Unfounded malicious complaints.
- Damage to property, or graffiti.
- Offensive letters, leaflets, or posters.
- Inciting others to commit hate crime, including on social media platforms.
- Hate crime in any form is inexcusable.
- Recognising and reporting hate crime can get you help and support.
- Essex Police will investigate hate crimes and look to take positive action against suspects.
- Essex Police work with partner agencies to safeguard individuals and groups.
- Essex Police will look to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.
All hate crimes are referred to a police officer who will work to ensure you are safe.
Essex Police will treat all victims of hate crime in a professional and sensitive
manner.
We understand your concerns regarding confidentiality and will consult with and advise you through every step of the investigation.
- We will speak to you to establish the details of the incident.
- We will talk you through the options that are available.
- We will discuss any safeguarding that needs to be arranged.
- We will be guided by your views and wishes.
- The investigation will be concluded once an outcome has been determined.
Keeping safe
- Report any further incidents to Essex Police.
- Keep your mobile phone with you, on and fully charged.
- Take photographs of any injuries or damage to property.
- Keep a simple diary noting; day, time, location, what happened and who was there.
- Keep any CCTV or recording that may have captured the incident.
- Screen shot any messages and keep any letters.
Hate Incident Reporting Centres
Hate Incident Reporting Centres are community venues where you can get support and report hate crime.
Support organisations
Compass
Essex partnership of domestic abuse services for emotional and practical support. Telephone 03300 333 7444
Essex Connects
Directory of local activities, local charities, volunteer groups and community sector services.
Essex Restoration and Mediation Service
Finding a way forward for those affected by a crime or conflict. Telephone 01245 291621.
National Stalking Helpline
Samaritans
Stop Hate UK
True Vision
Victims Commissioner
Victim Support