The Law and Hate Crime
What is Hate Crime?
A Hate Crime is when someone hurts or harms another person because they belong to a particular group; for example because of their race, sexual orientation or disability.
Racial Harassment is when someone verbally or physically abuses another person because of the colour of their skin, the religion they follow, the language they speak or the country they come from. It can include
- Objects thrown at people or property.
- Offensive substances posted through letterboxes.
- Hate mail.
- Racist telephone calls.
Racial Harassment is wrong: don’t put up with it.
Racial Harassment is against the law: report it.
The law sets out penalties for those who commit Racial Harassment.
Reporting
You can report an incident whether you are the victim or you are a witness. A witness is someone who sees a Race or Hate Crime that involves someone else.
Crimes should always be reported to the Police
First of all, be sure that you and the victim are safe. If either of you are in danger, call the police immediately on 999.
For less urgent cases you can visit any police station
Telephone: 084 5045 4545.
Or telephone Southern Crimestoppers on 080 0555 111.
You can also report Hate Crime to Southampton City Council
Email: hate.crime@southampton.gov.uk
Telephone: 023 8083 4114
Web form: http://sccwww1.southampton.gov.uk/consultation/hatecrime/harassment6.htm
For more information, click
www.southampton.gov.uk/living/commequalities/raceequality/hatecrime.aspx