How do I report a hate crime?
Crimes committed against someone because of their disability, gender or gender identity, race, religion, belief or sexual orientation are hate crimes and should be reported to the police.
In an emergency call 999.
H&F Council
You can report hate crimes to H&F Council's Community Safety Unit by:
- Filling out this form online
- Emailing hatecrime@lbhf.gov.uk
- Calling 020 8753 2693.
After reports are made to H&F Council, we will get in touch with you with tailored support and to discuss next steps.
Stop Hate UK
Stop Hate UK provides an alternative for people who don't want to report hate crime to the council or police. You can access independent support and information, 24 hours a day, every day of the year including an LGBTQ+ helpline. Witnesses of incidents can also report and receive support via the helpline.
- Report hate crime to Stop Hate UK online
- Call the 24-hour Stop Hate UK helpline on 0800 138 1625
- Or text Stop Hate UK on 07717 989 025, 24/7.
Police
- Report hate crime to the Met Police online
- Contact your local police station by calling 101.
Crimestoppers
- To report anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Read our strategy on preventing hate crime in H&F
What is hate crime?
Hate crime is any criminal offence committed against a person or property that is motivated by an offender's hatred of someone because of their:
- race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality or national origins
- religion
- transgender identity
- sexual orientation
- disability.
Hate crime can take many forms including:
- physical attacks – such as physical assault, damage to property, offensive graffiti, neighbour disputes and arson
- threat of attack – including offensive letters, abusive or obscene phone calls, groups hanging around to intimidate and unfounded, malicious complaints
- verbal abuse or insults – offensive leaflets and posters, abusive gestures, dumping of rubbish outside homes or through letterboxes, and bullying at school or in the workplace.
The True Vision website gives more information about reporting hate crime.
Useful support and services
Advice, support and counselling services
- CATCH - communities against hate
- Support Line
- Women's Aid
- Rape Crisis
- Refuge Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247
- Samaritans: phone 116 123
- Victim Support.
Black minority service
Metropolitan police advice on hate crime
Children
LGBTQ+
- Switchboard - LGBTQ+ helpline – 0300 330 0630
- Galop - provides hate crime, domestic abuse and sexual violence support services to LGBTQ+ victims or survivors online, by telephone, email, text and WhatsApp
HIV and Aids
- Terrence Higgins Trust, a charity offering support to gay men experiencing domestic violence
Street Harassment PSPO
In H&F we have introduced a borough wide public space protection order (PSPO) to reduce incidents of antisocial behaviour and improve the safety for all those who work, live, or visit the borough. Such behaviour includes sexist, homophobic and transphobic slurs and unwanted verbal or physical attention. Find out more about the PSPO and how to report breaches here Street harassment public spaces protection order (PSPO).
Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)
We know that people can experience various forms of abuse simultaneously including violence against women and girls (VAWG). Anyone can experience VAWG, including men and boys and people from all communities, but we know that women and girls are the most affected. For more information on support available for women and men who experience these types of abuse including but not limited to domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking and harassment you can find out more information here Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
How can I support those affected by hate crime?
You can read and share our supporting victims of hate crime leaflet (pdf 3MB).
How can I stand against hate crime?
There is no place for hate in H&F. You can sign our pledge to show you will stand against prejudice and support victims.