Hate crime

Hate crime is defined as a crime committed against someone because of their disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief or sexual orientation. 

A hate crime is any behaviour that someone thinks was caused by hostility, prejudice or hatred of their: 

• disability, including physical impairments, mental health problems, learning disabilities, hearing and visual impairments 
• gender identity 
• race, skin colour, nationality, ethnicity or heritage 
• religion, faith or belief, including people without a religious belief 
• sexual orientation 
• lifestyle and dress (for example, an alternative sub-culture). 

Anyone can experience hate crime if they are targeted because of who they are, their friends or family or even who the perpetrator thinks they are. 

Hate crimes can include: 

• name calling or verbal abuse 
• graffiti or abusive writing 
• damage to property 
• threats or intimidation 
• bullying or harassment 
• physical attacks or violence, including sexual violence, arson and murder. 

Hate crime is a criminal offence and should be reported to the police immediately: 

• by calling 999 in an emergency (if there's immediate threat to life or the crime is ongoing), or 
• by calling 101, or 
• online at www.report-it.org.uk/your_police_force. 

Please also let us know about the incident.

Get in touch and ask to speak to your housing officer or a member of the housing management team on 0300 1234 009 or email enquiries@midlandsrural.org.uk 

You can find help and support from Stop Hate UK: 

• Stop Hate UK website 
• 24-hour helpline: 0800 138 1625