Report a hate crime or hate incident
For emergencies you should contact the police immediately – call 999
What is a hate incident?
A hate incident is any incident that the victim or any other person thinks was motivated by hostility or prejudice based on one of the following personal characteristics:
- Disability (including physical disability, sensory impairments, learning disabilities, mental ill-health, long term illness or health conditions)
- Race or ethnicity
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation (for example lesbian, gay or bisexual people)
- Transgender identity (for example trans people or gender reassignment)
When is a hate incident also a hate crime?
When hate incidents become criminal offences they are known as hate crimes. Any criminal offence can be a hate crime if it was carried out because of hostility or prejudice based on disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or transgender identity.
Other types of hate related harassment
The Council is committed to tackling harassment based on all personal characteristics covered by the Equality Act 2010. This includes, age, disability, gender, gender identity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief and sexuality.
Reporting hate to Rotherham Council
When a service user reports hate, it will be treated seriously and appropriate action taken that is sensitive to the needs of the victim. Action will involve multi-agency partners, including Police, where appropriate. The service user will be kept informed about how their report is being dealt with, progress, and outcomes.
Information about reporting hate crime to South Yorkshire Police (
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Other ways of reporting hate crime
- True Vision – national website for reporting hate crime to the Police
- Report hate crime anonymously to Crimestoppers
- Fearless.org is an online service for young people to pass on information about crime 100% anonymously. You don’t have to give any personal details.
Useful links
The effects of hate crime can last for a long time, especially if you’ve suffered repeatedly. Many people find it helps to talk to someone who understands. Victim Support can help immediately after an incident or any time after the crime has taken place.
