Hate hurts Wales

How to report a hate crime

If you have been a victim of hate crime you can report it to the police or to the Wales Hate Support Centre (run by Victim Support). You can also report these crimes if you see them happen to someone else.

Both the Police and Victim Support can offer you support to deal with what happened to you and find a way forward.

Police

In an emergency call 999

In a non-emergency dial 101

Victim Support

You can talk to Victim Support as an alternative to the Police. They provide independent, confidential help, advice and support to victims and witnesses of hate crimes in Wales.

You can call Victim Support free at any time on 0300 3031 982.

Visit the website where you can report hate crime and find out more about getting support. 

Watch the British Sign Language version (BSL).

What is a hate crime?

A hate crime is any criminal behaviour which appears to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice, or includes words or behaviour that show hostility, based on a person’s perceived:

  • race
  • religion
  • sexual orientation
  • transgender identity
  • disability

A hate crime can include verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, harassment, assault and bullying, as well as damage to property. The perpetrator could be someone unknown to you, or they could be a friend.

Hate crime can take place both in person and online.

What happens when I report a hate crime?

The police, Victim Support and criminal justice agencies consider all hate crime to be very serious. If you decide to report a hate crime, the police will contact you and investigate what has happened. You will be offered support via Victim Support to help you cope with the impact of hate crime.

If your case goes to court, there may be stronger sentences which can be handed out to reflect the seriousness of these types of crimes.

Not all cases will be able to proceed to court but you will be offered support to help you deal with what has happened to you regardless.

Campaign material

Promotional materials used in the Hate hurts Wales campaign.

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