Understanding what a hate crime is, and why and who you should report it to.

(Source: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/saferleeds/Documents/Hate%20-%20One%20Minute%20Guide.pdf)

Responding to Hate – The Hate Crime Strategy for Leeds

Leeds thrives because of the rich co-existence of people of different backgrounds, characteristics, faiths and ethnicities. It is a rich co-existence that we must treasure and strive to protect.
Partner agencies across Leeds have signed up to the strategy, pledging to work together to prevent hate crime, increase public confidence to report hate crime and improve the response of agencies charged with tackling hate crime

For more information Search online at www.leeds.gov.uk/saferleeds/report-a-hate-incident

What is Hate?

A hate crime or incident occurs when it is perceived by the victim or any other person, to have been motivated by a hostility or prejudice towards a person’s;

• Disability • Religion, Faith or Belief
• Gender identity (Transphobic) • Sexual Orientation
• Race, Ethnicity, Nationality
• Disability
• Religion, Faith or Belief
• Sexual Orientation

A hate crime or incident can take many forms including verbal abuse, physical assault, harassment, intimidation, damage to property, theft of property, and behaviour intended to exclude.

Why should it be reported?

Hate crimes and incidents hurt. They can have devastating consequences for victims and their families and can frighten and divide communities.

By reporting incidents, you will enable the police, local councils, housing associations etc. to build-up patterns of behaviour locally, and highlight areas of concern within your community.

By reporting incidents when they happen to you, you can get the support you need and ensure that offenders are brought to justice. This could also prevent other incidents happening to someone else.

Who can I report to?

West Yorkshire Police

You can make a report

• in person at any Police Station
• by telephoning West Yorkshire Police on 101
• In an Emergency dialling 999

LASBT – Leeds Anti Social Behaviour Team

Contacting Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team

• ASB Hotline 0113 222 4402
• email at – LASBT@leeds.gov.uk
• by posting this form to Safer Leeds (LASBT), 3rd Floor, 2 Great George Street, Leeds LS2 8BA

Leeds City Council Housing Office, Hate Incident Reporting Centre or Council One Stop Centre

In-person at any Council Office, Hate Incident Reporting Centre or Council One Stop Centre by handing in this form to any Leeds City Council Housing Office or one-stop centre.

Stop Hate UK

Contact Stop Hate UK on

• Telephone 0800 138 1625
• Text: 07717 989025
• Email talk@stophateuk.org
• Downloading the Stop Hate UK APP
• Website https://www.stophateuk.org/

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a report anonymously?
Yes. We would encourage victims to give us their full details as this allows us to give the best service to resolve the problems, but reports can be anonymous.

Can anyone report a hate incident?
Yes. Anyone can report a hate incident. We encourage you to report any hate incident that you have experienced or witnessed. We will believe you and make sure that the report goes to the appropriate agency to deal with. You do not have to be a council tenant to report a hate incident. All residents can report a hate incident at any office across the city.

I am a member of staff, can I make a report?
Yes. Hate incidents can happen anywhere to anyone. You have a right to be treated fairly at work and we will work with you to stop the behaviour.

The incident was only verbal abuse, should I report it?
Yes. Reporting hate incidents can prevent more serious things from occurring. We will respond to hate incidents in a proportionate manner. Somebody else might also be suffering and your information might give us the clue we need to identify the perpetrator.

Where does my report go?

When you report at a hate incident reporting centre, you will have access to a multi-agency process that works to support all victims of hate incidents. To get the best service, you can choose to send your report to West Yorkshire Police, Leeds City Council and Victim Support.

What can you do to help me?
The multi-agency approach means that the agencies will work together to take action to stop the abuse and give you support. With your consent, the agencies can prosecute the perpetrator or take other appropriate action. We work with you to stop the abuse and repair the harm.

What if I only want the police to know?
You can always report the incident to the police. The police have dedicated hate crime co-ordinators who can support victims of hate crime to access support and understand the options available. They do not wear uniforms and can meet you in a place you feel safe. If for any reason you are not able to approach the police then report the incident through a Hate Incident Reporting Centre.

Can I report to an independent 3rd Party?
Yes. For 24 hour support or access to reporting in 47 different languages, contact :

STOP HATE CRIME – 0800 138 1625 – 24 HOUR HELPLINE

(See other ways to contact Stop Hate UK above.)