Hate Crime
In an emergency call 999.
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. Report concerns online to Crime Stoppers
- 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.
4. 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. We can make a report on your behalf.
- Alternatively please call 01695 650 988 or attend the Catalyst Helpdesk.
What will happen after I have contacted you?
- 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.
I have experienced a hate crime, what support can I access?
Support is available from our Student Mental Health & Wellbeing Team as well as from external organisations.
Support from the Student Mental Health & Wellbeing Team
If you are a student, wellbeing support is available from the Student Mental Health & 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 studentwellbeing@edgehill.ac.uk.
- 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
- Contact Lancashire Victim Services:
- An independent organisation which works on tackling anti-Muslim hatred.
Community Security Trust (CST)
- CST is a charity that protects British Jews from antisemitism and related threats.
- A charity for deaf and deafened people, providing advocacy, support and advice.
Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT)
- Friends, Families and Travellers is a leading national charity that works to end racism and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people and to protect the right to pursue a nomadic way of life.
- A charity tackling hate crime against LGBT+ communities.
- A charity for people with Learning Disabilities, providing advice and support.