Hate Crime

Hate Crime

Hate crime describes an incident targeting someone's identity. The categories of identity include:

• Disability
• Race or ethnicity
• Religion or belief (including non-belief)
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity

Victim Support also recognise other sub-categories (such as Goth) as being at risk of hate crime.

What's an example of hate crime?

Hate crime can be criminal and non-criminal and includes any harmful behaviour targeting someone's identity. Examples include:

• Name-calling and comments
• Physical assault
• Sexual assault
• Graffiti
• Damage to property or belongings
• Spreading of online hate
• A bullying incident that targets someone's identity could also constitute a hate crime 

What should I do if my child or I has experienced a hate crime?

If you or your child experience a hate crime, it is never your fault. If you have been harmed, or are at risk of harm, or you feel a crime has been committed you can report this in a number of ways. You may want to go directly to the police, or through the True Vision website.

Victim Support can also help you report the hate crime to the police and can be there for you and your family during this difficult time.