Q139: I think I have been a victim of a hate crime / hate incident, what can I and the police do?

If you have encountered an incident which was motivated by who you are or who someone thinks you are, you may have been a victim of a hate crime / incident.

For example, a person is beaten up and whilst being attacked the offender makes offensive comments about the person's believed race or ethnicity / sexual orientation / religion or belief / disability or transgender identity.

Please see Q643 for definitions of a hate crime / hate incident.

The police take reports of these incidents very seriously and if you feel you have been the victim of a hate crime / incident you should report the matter to your local police force. Reports can also be made online via www.report-it.org.uk who report it to the police on your behalf, should you not wish to report it directly. For more information please see the websites in the Related Information.