Accessibility options:

Hate Crime

What is ‘hate crime’?

The police use the following definition when recording a hate crime:  "Any hate incident, which constitutes a criminal offence, perceived by the victim or any other person, as being motivated by prejudice or hate.”

Why do we need to act on hate crime?

Hate crime is different to other forms of crime:

  • hate crime targets people because of their identity. It is a form of discrimination that infringes human rights and keeps people from enjoying the full benefits of our society
  • research has shown that hate crimes cause greater psychological harm than similar crimes without a motivation of prejudice
  • hate crime creates fear in victims, groups and communities and encourages communities to turn on each other

How hate crime affects people

The effects of hate crime vary, but often include:

  • anger and fear of repeat attacks
  • depression and a worsening of existing health conditions, including mental health issues
  • a financial burden, for example, having to replace and repair vandalised property, or having to take time off work
  • victims changing their personal appearance, accommodation and, or daily patterns to avoid being victimised.

Reporting hate crime

You can report hate crime directly to the police.  However, there is an understanding that it is sometimes difficult to go to the police about hate crime. If you are a victim of hate crime or know someone who is, there are various support agencies in place to support and offer guidance. 

There are also third-party reporting schemes which allow victims to report a hate crime to the police anonymously or confidentially via a third party, like a community group or website.  More information is available from the following websites:

Victim Support

The national charity for victims and witnesses of crime in England and Wales, Victim Support offers free and confidential help to victims of crime, their family, friends and anyone else affected.

There is a local victim care team in Lincolnshire, you can contact them on 01522 542687 for help, support and information.  

Equality and Human Rights Commission

The Equality and Human Rights Commission aim to promote equality and human rights, and to create a fairer Britain. They do this by providing advice and guidance, working to implement an effective legislative framework and raising awareness of people’s rights.  The website includes information and guidance aimed specifically at young people about hate crime, bullying and harassment.  Read more.

Stonewall

Stonewall is the gay, lesbian and bi-sexual charity that includes information about hate crime and criminal law. 

Stop Hate UK  

Stop Hate UK operates a 24hr free phone service for victims and witnesses. Stop Hate UK is totally independent of the police and will not pass on callers details without explicit consent. If a caller wishes however, Stop Hate UK will report the incident to the police on their behalf.
 
Stop Hate UK can be contacted on 0800 138 1625 or if you have hearing difficulties you can use Text Relay on 18001 0800 138 1625.

Voice UK

Voice UK is a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities and other vulnerable people who have experienced crime or abuse. They also support their families, carers and professional workers.

VOICE UK operate a telephone helpline staffed between 9 am and 7 pm Monday and Wednesdays and 9 am to 5 pm Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The helpline number is 080 8802 8686.  Calls to this number will not show up on your telephone bill and are free from mobiles and most landlines.

Hate Crime Strategy 2010 - 2012

This strategy is Lincolnshire’s first multi-agency strategy to tackle Hate Crime and hate motivated harassment and incidents in the county. It marks the first steps to organisations and communities across Lincolnshire working together to challenge hate crimes and incidents in Lincolnshire.

Due to the nature of hate incidents no one agency alone is able to deal with them in isolation and therefore partnership working is central to the approach of this strategy.

For more information, go to the Force's website at www.lincs.police.uk/Departments/Local-Policing/Hate-Crime/.