Hate crime

What is hate crime?

A hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person based on their:

  • Race
  • Religion
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Gender Identity
  • Disability

Anyone can be the victim of a hate crime. This is even where someone is wrongly assumed to be a member of the community at which the hostility is aimed at by a perpetrator. 

Hate crime can take many different forms including violence, sexual assault, criminal damage, graffiti, threats of violence, blackmail and harassment. It can take place anywhere such as at home, in the workplace, in school, on public transport or even online. 

What are the effects of hate crime?

Hate crime can feel very personal to victims and have a long-lasting impact as they have been targetted because of who they are or who or what the perpetrator thinks they are. Some of the effects of this are:

  • Victims can be left terrified and traumatised 
  • Victims may be overcome by panic and anxiety
  • Can negatively impact on families and entire communities
  • Can lead to tensions and conflict 

What can I do about hate crime?

It is important to report a hate crime that you have been the victim of or witnessed. By reporting, you are taking action to stamp out hate crime in Sandwell.

Your report will be taken seriously and can help stop the perpetrator from doing this again. It will provide the police with information that will help them to protect everyone in Sandwell from hate crime. When a criminal offence is classed as a hate crime, courts in England and Wales have the power to give tougher sentences to the perpetrator. Also, by reporting, victims can get access to specialised support and advice that will help them to feel safe once more.

If you have witnessed a hate crime, it can also be helpful to a victim to speak to them in a friendly manner and make them feel reassured if it is safe to do so. This can show the victim they are not alone and might make them feel safer.

Get support

There are many local and national orgaisations who can support you if you have experienced a hate crime.

For more information, please email the Community Safety Team.