Hate crime

If you've been abused, assaulted, targeted or intimidated because of who you are, you may have been the victim of a hate crime or hate incident.

Hate crime is motivated by hostility, prejudice or hatred towards race, disability, religion, gender, sex orientation and age.

A hate incident becomes a hate crime when a criminal offence has been committed. Offences can include:

• assault
• harassment
• criminal damage, including offensive graffiti, breaking windows, damage to cars

Hate incidents may or may not be a criminal offence. It doesn't matter if you're not sure, report it to the police.

Reporting a hate crime or incident

If there's a crime in action or an immediate threat to life, dial 999. For all other incidents call Hampshire Constabulary on 101 or report online.

Report a hate crime online

Basingstoke Hate Crime Awareness Group (BHCAG)

This working group has been established to encourage and support a wide range of organisations and residents of the borough to work together to tackle Hate Crime.

Current priority areas for the group are:

• To raise awareness of hate crime and hate incidents
• To increase confidence amongst victims to report hate crimes or hate incidents
• To increase reporting of Hate Crime and to work with young people to educate and challenge attitudes and prejudices.

Hate crime comes in many different forms and strikes at the heart of communities. With your help, we can tackle those responsible for hate crime and keep our community safe.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the local Hate Crime working group please contact BHCAG@bvaction.org.uk

Other contacts

Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice Basingstoke and Citizens Advice Tadley and District are hate crime reporting centres that provide confidential advice.
Call 0808 278 7829 (Basingstoke) or 0808 278 7987 (Tadley and District)
Visit the Citizens Advice website

Stop Hate UK
A national charity that will pass concerns to local organisations
Call 0800 138 1625
Visit the Stop Hate UK website

Victim Support
Provides emotional and practical support for victims of crime and are a third party Hate Crime reporting centre. Anyone affected by crime can contact them direct.
Call the support line on 0808 1689111
Visit the Victim Support website