PARENTS & CARERS - Hate Crimes
What is a Hate Crime?
The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) defines hate crime as:
"a crime where the perpetrator's prejudice against any identifiable group of people is a factor in determining who is victimised."
In other words it is an offence committed against another person, with the specific intent to cause harm to that person due to their race, gender, sexual orientation, physical, mental or learning disability, religion, creed, ideals, politics. The list is almost endless.
Regardless of which one you pick, a hate crime is one which is perpetrated against the victim as a result of who or what they are or what they stand for and believe in, which makes it a despicable offence. Sadly it happens all too frequently, to adults and children alike.
If you are a victim...
People should not be victimised because they are gay, or black or lesbian or white, or don’t speak English. We have a reputation for being a tolerant society and hate crimes go totally against this ideal. Making someone a victim because they have different cultural beliefs or customs simply should not happen and the Police treat such offences with a very high degree of importance.
If you have been subject to any form of victimisation, assault or verbal abuse which was, in your view, a hate crime, then the Police want to know about it. They will support you all the way if you perceive the offence was committed as a result of who or what you are. Bedfordshire Police website states:
"Hate incidents and crimes can be reported through a third party reporting centre such as libraries, local council offices and housing associations. However to ensure a swift response, serious offences should be reported through our call handling centre."
"Specialist hate crime investigators are in place across the county. All Bedfordshire police officers and staff can be expected to deal with any reported crime in an appropriate and sensitive manner. There are specialist staff in place to support those victims and witnesses who may have ADHD"
Support Groups
If you have been a victim of such crimes in the past, whether you reported it or not, then you can get support from the following groups and organisations.
Victim Support
This organisation features several times on this website as they offer a superb service to the victims of crime, regardless of what that crime was. They are professionally trained and can provide referrals to other groups or organisations if required. Full details of Victim Support can be found in the section entitled Victim Support.
If the offence was committed against you as a result of your sexual orientation, then the following groups will be able to help you:
Stonewall
This is a support organisation which fights for equality and justice for gay, lesbian people. The Stonewall website gives a mass of information on current legislation and campaigns. Their telephone number is: 020 7881 9440 Email: info@stonewall.org.uk
Galop
This is a resource which will help you with advice regarding homophobic or transphobic violence or hate crime. It offers telephone and web based advocacy and an on-line reporting service. It also offers printable advice sheets on various types of hate crimes. Visit the Galop website.
The "Shout Line" number is 020 7704 2040 Lines are open: Mondays from 5 pm to 8 pm; Wednesdays from 2 pm to 5 pm; Fridays from 12 midday to 2 pm. Email: info@galop.org.uk
Racially motivated Hate Crime
If the crime was racially motivated the check out these websites for advice and assistance:
The Police's approach
Bedfordshire Police's trained first contact officers can also help to get you support if the crime committed against you was of due to a disability or your ethnic background. Remember, if you have any information on a hate crime or any other type of offence then you can pass it on anonymously through two sources.
Crimestoppers
Crimestoppers is an independent UK-wide charity working to stop crime. Crimestoppers works for you, your family and your community. Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 and just tell us them you know, not who you are.