Crime, antisocial behaviour and nuisance Hate crime awareness

Hate crime

What is hate crime?

Hate crime is a criminal offence. It is motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person's identity or perceived identity.

It is based on:

  • Disability
  • Race
  • Religion or belief
  • Sexual orientation
  • Trans and gender reassignment
  • Alternative sub-culture*.

*Greater Manchester Police record and monitor incidents of hate toward alternative subcultures.

You do not need proof to report hate crime. If you believe the crime was driven by hate, report it. Even if the person was wrong about your identity, it may still be treated as hate crime.

Examples of hate crime

Hate crimes can happen in many ways:

  • Verbal abuse or threats
  • Physical attacks
  • Damage to property, like graffiti with hateful words
  • Online abuse, such as hateful posts or messages
  • Harassment in public places, work, or school
  • Hate mail or abusive phone calls.

What to do

If you see or experience any of these:

  • Report it now
  • You can get support even if you do not involve the police.
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