Why report a hate crime
Hate crime is often not reported. Many people think nothing will happen or do not know what can be done.
Reporting a hate crime helps ensure victims get the support they need and allows authorities to take action. It also helps build safer, more inclusive communities by showing that hate will not be tolerated. Even if you're unsure whether something is a hate crime, reporting it can make a difference.
Benefits to reporting
Access support: Reporting ensures you can receive emotional, practical, and legal support tailored to your needs.
Stop it happening again: It helps authorities take action to prevent further incident, against you or others.
Hold offenders accountable: Reporting allows police and other agencies to investigate and, where possible, prosecute those responsible.
Build safer communities: Every report helps build a clearer picture of hate crime in our area, leading to better protection and prevention.
You’re not alone: Reporting sends a message that hate has no place in our communities and that victims will be heard and supported.
Positives of reporting hate crime anonymously
- Protects safety and privacy: Victims and witnesses can report without worrying about retaliation or exposure.
- Encourages action: People who might otherwise stay silent feel empowered to speak up.
- Raises awareness: Every report helps build a clearer picture of hate crime trends, even if no formal investigation follows.
- Strengthens communities: Individuals can take meaningful action without direct engagement with the police.
Considerations to keep in mind
- Follow-up can be limited: Without contact details, authorities may find it harder to investigate or take further action.
- Support may be missed: Victims who remain anonymous might not receive tailored emotional or practical assistance.
- Verification challenges: Anonymous reports can be harder to confirm, which may affect how they’re handled.
- Impact on outcomes: Lack of details may reduce the chances of prosecuting offenders or preventing future incidents.
Not everyone wants to go through the criminal courts. There are other ways to take action.
Ways to act early
- Get support for victims or offenders
- Mediation for minor problems
- Restorative justice
- Warning interviews
- Behaviour agreements
- Youth Offender Service help
- Engage Panels (support for young people at risk)
- Anti-social behaviour (ASB) case review.
Police and council powers
- Community resolution (out of court)
- Dispersal orders
- Community protection warning/notices
- Civil injunctions
- Closure powers.
Court orders
- Restraining orders
- Criminal behaviour orders
- Absolute grounds for possession (housing)
- Public space protection orders.
Read more: ASB statutory guidance 2025.
Stronger sentences for hate crime
The Criminal Justice Act 2003 lets courts increase sentences for crimes with hate based on:
- Race or religion
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity.
Example:
- Offence: Assault with religious hate comments
- Charge: Religiously aggravated common assault
- Sentence: 18 months suspended (up from 5 months)
- View example in more detail.
Case study
This information is based on a true story.
A child with a disability was assaulted and verbally abused by a neighbour. Fearing the situation might escalate, the parent was initially reluctant to report it. With support from others, they contacted the police. It was later revealed the neighbour was on licence and had breached their conditions. As a result, they were returned to prison, given a restraining order, and lost their tenancy. They did not return to the neighbourhood after release.