Crimes - Hate crime
What is hate crime?
A crime is a hate crime if the victim feels that they have been targeted just because they are different in some way. This difference will be something about the victim that makes them who they are.
British law identifies five ways that we can be different that make us who we are. They are:- race
- religion
- gender
- disability
- sexual preference.
British law says that hate crimes are more serious than other crimes.
Who can be a victim of hate crime?
Anyone can be a victim of hate crime. If someone commits a crime against you or your property because of your age, colour, sex, race, the county you come from, your religion, sexual identity or disability, this is called a hate crime. Being a victim of this kind of crime can be a particularly frightening experience as you have been victimised because of who you are, or who or what your attacker thinks you are.
Hate crime can happen in different places - for example at home, in the streets, and at school or college. It can include threats, verbal abuse, arson (setting fire to things), robbery, violence towards you and damage to your property.
Nobody should have to live with the fear and worry that hate crime causes. It can also affect other people living nearby, or other people from the same group.
Many people find it helps to talk to someone who understands. Victim Support can help straightaway after something happens, or at any time afterwards. Find out more about what we offer.