Reporting hate crime
There are several ways in which you can report hate crime:

• get help - call 999 in an emergency
• call into your local police station and speak to a member of staff
• self report - pick up a hate crime self-reporting form. Self-reporting enables the police to see patterns of behaviour, make sure the incident is investigated fully and make sure you get the support you need
• call Crimestoppers - 0800 555 111. All calls are free, confidential and aren’t taped

As soon as you can, write down what happened and report the incident to the police or a support agency. Don’t be afraid to tell someone and don’t suffer in silence. Talking it through might make you feel better.  Always tell the police even if you think nothing can be done.  Make a record of when you suffer hate crime as there may be a pattern and police may be able to build up evidence against repeat offenders.

What can the police do?
Criminals who commit hate crime can be arrested and prosecuted in the courts. They could also be evicted, fined or given anti-social behaviour orders.  Police are trained to deal sensitively with hate crime. They won’t treat you differently because you are from an ethnic or religious background or because of your sexuality.