Everyone has the right to live free from fear, prejudice and violence, regardless of their race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or any other difference.
A hate crime is any incident where you or someone else has been targeted because they or you are believed to be different, or it is any incident you believe was motivated by:
- race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality or national origins
- religion or faith - gender or gender identity
- sexual orientation or sexual identity
- disability
- Incidents may involve:
- verbal abuse
- harassment
- attacks
- damage to your property
- bullying or graffiti
- physical assault
- intimidation
All hate crime is important. No hate crime is too minor to report to the police. Anyone can be the victim of a hate crime. We all have a racial identity, all have a sexual orientation, all have some sort of beliefs. Any one of us could be targeted because of some aspect of our identity. Tackling hate crime supports each and every one of us.
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.
Prejudice Free Dorset is a partnership organisation that seeks to promote inclusive communities across Dorset.
Report it
Hate crime can be confusing and frightening. By reporting it, you may be able to prevent these crimes from happening to someone else. You can report hate crime online or in an emergency phone the police on 999.
You can also view the British Sign Language Video on how to report a hate crime.