Hate crime

Hate crime is a term that’s used to describe a range of criminal offences which can be language or actions against you because of your disability, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, religion, or any other perceived difference.

These behaviours are motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's race or perceived race; religion or perceived religion; sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation; disability or perceived disability and any crime motivated by hostility or prejudice against a person who is transgender or perceived to be transgender.

Types of hate crime

There is no single type of hate crime, the behaviour can be a one-off event or a repeated occurrence this can include physical assault, verbal abuse, incitement of others to commit a hate crime, intimidation, online trolling, damaging property or harassment.

Practical advice and emotional support

If you’ve experienced hate crime, remember that it's not your fault. Hate crime can leave you feeling frightened, angry or lose trust in other community members.

There are some practical things that can help you feel safer.

  • Improve your basic home security, if you live in the community Victim First can support by adding locks and bolts to doors and windows. If you live in University accommodation, you can discuss with your warden team or campus security.
  • Keep a note of all incidents related to the hate crime, including times, dates and details of what happened, you can download the evidence form from the related document section.
  • Speak to someone a friend or member of University staff, you can ask someone to accompany you, if you decide to report the crime to the police
Victim First website

Documents

Evidence log (pdf)

Can I access support off campus?

Victim First provide a drop-in support once a month at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ. You can book an appointment online.

You can report directly to Leicestershire Police.

Book a Victim First appointment Report hate crime to Leicestershire Police

What can the university do to support me?

A Student Services team member can listen, provide you with emotional and practical support, and talk through options available for you. You can do this by completing a report on our Online Incident Reporting Portal.

If the person who has subjected you to hate crime is another student, you may wish to look at the university disciplinary procedures.

Report to the University online