Reporting a Hate Crime
How to report a hate crime or hate incident and what happens after you report.
Overview
A hate crime is any criminal offence motivated by hostility or prejudice based on disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or transgender identity. Hate crimes carry enhanced sentences. Even if an incident does not amount to a crime, it can be reported as a hate incident. The police are required to take hate crimes seriously.
Who Can Use This Process
- You are likely eligible to use this guide if your situation involves reporting a hate crime.
- You have a genuine legal basis for the matter (contract, tort, statutory right, etc.).
- You have made reasonable attempts to resolve the matter directly with the other party first.
Step-by-Step Process
Recognise a Hate Crime
A hate crime is any offence (assault, harassment, criminal damage, public order offence, etc.) where the victim or anyone else perceives it was motivated by hostility towards a protected characteristic. You do not need to prove motivation — perception is enough to trigger the recording of a hate crime.
- Online hate crimes (social media abuse, threats) are also criminal offences and should be reported
Report to the Police
Call 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-emergencies. You can also report online through your local police force website. Ask for the crime reference number. You can report anonymously through Crimestoppers (0800 555 111) or True Vision.
- If you are uncomfortable reporting directly, many third-party reporting centres (e.g., Citizens Advice, community groups) can report on your behalf
The Investigation
The police will investigate the offence and the hate element. They may take a witness statement, collect CCTV or digital evidence, and interview suspects. The CPS will decide whether to prosecute and whether to seek enhanced sentencing.
Court and Sentencing
If the case goes to court, the hate element must be proved. Under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (s.145/146), the court must treat hostility as an aggravating factor and increase the sentence accordingly.
- Victim personal statements allow you to explain the impact of the crime
Support and Victim's Rights
Under the Victim's Code, you are entitled to support, information about the investigation, and to make a Victim Personal Statement. Organisations like Victim Support provide free and confidential help.
- You can access support whether or not the crime is reported or prosecuted
Costs
Important Warnings
Do not confront the perpetrator — your safety comes first.
Keep evidence (screenshots, photos, witness details) where safe to do so.
Hate incidents that are not criminal offences can still be reported and recorded by the police.
Useful Links
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the reporting a hate crime process take?
- The end-to-end timeline depends on which stage you're at. Common steps run on these timeframes: "Investigation timescales vary". Add court / counterparty response time on top — disputed matters can run months longer than the bare minimum.
- How much does it cost?
- Main outlays are: Reporting and support — Free. Court fees often qualify for Help with Fees remission if you're on a low income. Solicitor fees are extra and vary widely — many matters can be done as a litigant in person.
- What are the most common mistakes to avoid?
- Watch out for: Do not confront the perpetrator — your safety comes first.; Keep evidence (screenshots, photos, witness details) where safe to do so.; Hate incidents that are not criminal offences can still be reported and recorded by the police.. If you're unsure on any of these, get advice from a regulated solicitor or a free service like Citizens Advice before acting.
- Where can I find the official forms and guidance?
- The official sources are: True Vision — Report Hate Crime; Victim Support. Always use the forms / guidance from the issuing authority's own site — third-party copies can be out of date.
- Can I do this myself without a solicitor?
- Yes — many people complete this kind of matter as a litigant in person. The site walks through each step in plain English. A solicitor is recommended if: large sums are at stake, the other side has legal representation, the matter involves criminal liability, children, immigration, or you're unsure on any procedural deadline. Free advice is available from Citizens Advice, Law Centres, and (for some matters) LawWorks pro bono clinics.
Part of our Police, Crime and Victims hub
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