Hate Crime Reporting Centre

What is a hate crime?

Hate crimes are any crimes that are targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards that person’s:

• disability
• race or ethnicity
• religion or belief
• sexual orientation
• transgender identity

They can be committed against a person or property. A victim does not have to be a member of the group at which the hostility is targeted. In fact, anyone could be a victim of a hate crime. 

Why should I report hate crime?

Hate crimes and incidents hurt, they can be confusing and frightening.

By reporting them when they happen to you, you may be able to prevent these incidents from happening to someone else.  You will also help the police understand the extent of hate crime in your local area so they can better respond to it.

Reporting makes a difference – to you, your friends, and your life.

How can I report hate crime?

There are several ways you can report a hate crime, whether you have been a victim, a witness, or you are reporting on behalf of someone else:

1. In an emergency

• Call 999 or 112.
• If you cannot make voice calls, you can now contact the 999 emergency services by SMS text from your mobile phone. However, you will only be able to use this service if you have registered with emergencySMS first. See the emergencySMS website for details.

2. Contact the police

• You can speak to the police in confidence. You do not have to give your personal details, but please be aware the investigation and ability to prosecute the offender(s) is severely limited if the police cannot contact you. Details on how to contact your local police force can be found at www.police.uk or you can report the crime online via the ‘Reporting online’ page on their website.

3. Via Edge Hill University’s Hate Crime and Third Party Reporting Centre

We recognise that some victims and witnesses of hate crimes may find it difficult to report the matter directly to the police.

We want to remove any barriers to reporting hate crimes, and that’s why we work alongside the police to provide you with a safe space to report your concerns.

Our staff have been trained to help victims and witnesses to submit a report to the police. Alternatively, we can make a report on your behalf.

Fill in the hate crime reporting form now

Alternatively please call 01695 650 988 or attend the Catalyst Helpdesk.

What will happen after I have contacted you?

If you have reported a concern to us anonymously, the team will report the crime on your behalf to Crime Stoppers.

If you choose not to remain anonymous, a staff member will contact you to support you to report the hate crime you have experienced to the police via the online hate crime reporting form. Alternatively, the team can also report a hate crime on your behalf if you prefer.

The staff member will also be able to discuss any wellbeing support you may want, and signpost you to services who will be able to provide you with emotional and practical support following your experience.

What if I want to report my concerns to the police anonymously?

If you want to report a crime, but you don’t want to identify yourself you can report a hate crime anonymously to Crimestoppers.
• Online – crimestoppers-uk.org
• By phone – 0800 555 111

Crimestoppers will ask questions about the crime but won’t ask about you. If you’re concerned your call could be traced, dial 141 before 0800 555 111, this will block your phone number. 0800 numbers are free from a landline and don’t show up on BT or cable phone bills.

I have experienced a hate crime, what support can I access?

There are several national organisations that offer support to victims of hate crime. They provide services such as helplines, guidance, confidential safety advice and training.

Support for Edge Hill University students

If you are a student, wellbeing support is available from the Student Wellbeing Team. If you would like to book an appointment to discuss anything at all you can do so via our webpages, going to the front desk in Catalyst or emailing [email protected].

Support for Edge Hill University staff

The HR Advisory Team can provide confidential advice and guidance. A staff wellbeing hub is available where you can find a variety of initiatives developed to support staff.

Support for the general public

Victim Support

If you’re a victim of a hate crime, specialist Hate Crime Advocates from Lancashire Victim Services will be able to support you and provide expert advice.

They offer free, confidential, person-centred care that can help you with the emotional and practical guidance you need. Further information is available here: Hate Crime (victimsupport.org.uk)

To contact Lancashire Victim Services:

Web: lancashirevictimservices.org & Hate crime – Victim Support
Phone: 0300 323 0085
Email: [email protected]