What Are Hate Crimes?
Hate crimes are criminal offences that are committed because of hostility or prejudice towards a person’s protected characteristics. In the UK, these protected characteristics include race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and transgender identity. This means that if someone is targeted for a crime – such as assault, harassment, verbal abuse, or property damage – because of who they are or what they believe, it may be treated as a hate crime.
Recognising hate crimes is crucial because they are a form of discrimination. Unlike other crimes, hate crimes are motivated by intolerance and can have a much wider impact. Not only do they harm the immediate victim, but they can also create fear and insecurity within entire communities who share the same characteristic.
The legal framework for hate crimes in the UK is set out in several laws, including the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010. These laws ensure that crimes motivated by prejudice are taken seriously by the courts. In many cases, if a crime is found to be a hate crime, the courts can impose tougher sentences.
Protected characteristics under UK law are specific attributes that are safeguarded to ensure fair treatment for everyone. They are designed to protect people from discrimination and unfair treatment in both criminal and civil contexts. The main protected characteristics relevant to hate crimes are:
- Race, including nationality and ethnic origin
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation
- Disability
- Transgender identity
The impact of hate crimes extends far beyond the individual victim. Such offences can leave people feeling isolated, anxious, and unsafe in their own communities. They can also damage community relations and undermine trust in public institutions. Because of these serious consequences, there are special protections and support services available for those affected by hate crimes.
Understanding what hate crimes are – and recognising their link to broader issues of discrimination – can help individuals and communities respond effectively and seek the support they need. If you believe you have experienced or witnessed a hate crime, it is important to report it and access the protections available under UK law.
Protected Characteristics Covered by Hate Crime Laws
Protected Characteristics Covered by Hate Crime Laws
Under UK law, hate crime legislation is designed to protect individuals and communities from offences motivated by hostility or prejudice towards specific characteristics. These protected characteristics are clearly defined in law, and hate crimes can involve verbal abuse, physical attacks, harassment, or criminal damage targeted at someone because of who they are or what they believe.
The main protected characteristics recognised under UK hate crime laws are:
Race
This includes a person’s colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins. Hate crimes motivated by hostility towards someone’s race are among the most commonly reported. For example, if someone is assaulted or verbally abused because of their skin colour or perceived nationality, this may be treated as a hate crime.
Religion or Belief
Protection extends to all faiths and religious beliefs, as well as a lack of belief (such as atheism). Offences committed because of hostility towards someone’s religion, or because they do not share the same beliefs, fall under hate crime laws.
Sexual Orientation
This refers to whether a person is attracted to people of their own sex, the opposite sex, or both. Hate crimes based on sexual orientation include homophobic or biphobic abuse, threats, or violence.
Disability
Disability covers both physical and mental impairments. Hate crimes can include targeting someone because of a visible or invisible disability, such as mobility issues, learning difficulties, or mental health conditions.
Transgender Identity
This characteristic protects people who are transgender or perceived to be transgender. It includes anyone whose gender identity or expression is different from the sex they were assigned at birth. Transphobic hate crimes can involve verbal harassment, assault, or discrimination.
Other Characteristics
While the five characteristics above are specifically protected under current UK hate crime legislation, the law is evolving. In some cases, hostility based on other factors – such as gender or age – may be considered aggravating factors, but they are not yet formally recognised as protected characteristics for hate crime prosecution.
How Are These Characteristics Protected by Law?
The law provides enhanced protection and sentencing for offences motivated by hostility towards any of these groups. For example, the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Criminal Justice Act 2003 set out specific offences and sentencing guidelines for hate crimes. The Hate Crime (Sentencing) Act 2007 and related legislation ensure that courts treat hate-motivated offences more seriously, often resulting in tougher sentences.
If you believe you have been targeted because of a protected characteristic, you have the right to report the incident to the police. The authorities are required to investigate hate crimes thoroughly and offer support to victims. For more detailed information about how hate crime laws work in the UK, you can read the overview of the Hate Crime (Sentencing) Act 2007.
Hate crimes can have a significant impact on individuals and communities. If you need support or want to learn more about your rights, explore the other sections of this page or seek advice from specialist organisations.
Examples of Hate Crimes
Examples of Hate Crimes
Hate crimes can take many forms, but what sets them apart from other offences is the motivation behind the act. Under UK law, a hate crime is any criminal offence that is perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person’s race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or transgender identity. The law covering hate crimes includes the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Criminal Justice Act 2003, which allow for tougher sentencing when an offence is aggravated by hate.
Below are some common examples of hate crimes:
Verbal Abuse and Threats
This can include shouting offensive names or insults at someone in public, making threatening remarks, or using slurs based on someone’s protected characteristic. For example, shouting racist abuse at a person on the street or making homophobic threats on public transport would be considered hate crimes.
Physical Attacks
Assaults or physical violence that are motivated by prejudice are treated as hate crimes. For instance, attacking someone because of their religious clothing, or targeting a person with a disability for physical harm, are clear examples.
Vandalism and Property Damage
Damage to property can become a hate crime if it is carried out with a hateful motive. This includes graffiti with racist slogans on a place of worship, smashing windows at an LGBT+ venue, or damaging a disabled person’s mobility aid.
Online Hate Incidents
Hate crimes are not limited to face-to-face interactions. Posting abusive comments, threats, or images online that target someone’s race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or transgender identity can also be prosecuted as hate crimes. For example, sending threatening messages to someone because of their ethnicity via social media is covered by the law.
Real-Life Scenarios
- A Muslim woman is verbally abused and threatened on a bus because of her headscarf.
- A gay couple is physically attacked outside a nightclub after being subjected to homophobic slurs.
- A synagogue is vandalised with antisemitic graffiti.
- A person with a learning disability receives repeated abusive messages online targeting their disability.
Where Hate Crimes Can Happen
Hate crimes can occur anywhere – on the street, at home, in workplaces, schools, places of worship, or online. They are not restricted to public spaces; private settings can also be the scene of hate-motivated offences.
How Hate Crimes Differ from Other Crimes
The key difference is the motivation. While any crime is serious, hate crimes are specifically targeted at individuals or groups because of who they are or what they believe. This motivation makes them particularly harmful, both to victims and to wider communities, which is why the law treats them with extra seriousness.
If you believe you have witnessed or experienced a hate crime, it is important to report it. The police and other support services are there to help and can provide advice and protection.
How Hate Crimes Are Treated Under UK Law
Hate crimes are taken very seriously under UK law because of the lasting harm they cause not only to individuals, but also to wider communities. The courts recognise that offences motivated by hostility or prejudice – such as those based on race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or transgender identity – can have a much deeper impact than other types of crime. As a result, hate crimes are subject to stricter penalties and special legal provisions.
When someone is convicted of a hate crime, the courts consider the hate element as an “aggravating factor.” This means that if a crime is shown to be motivated by hostility towards a person’s protected characteristic, the judge can impose a harsher sentence than for a similar offence without a hate motive. This approach is designed both to punish offenders more severely and to send a clear message that hate-fuelled behaviour will not be tolerated.
The main legal provisions covering hate crimes in England and Wales are set out in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, Section 28. This section defines what counts as a “racially or religiously aggravated” offence, and similar provisions exist for crimes motivated by hostility towards sexual orientation, disability, or transgender identity. Sentencing guidelines issued by the courts require judges to consider evidence of hate motivation when deciding on the appropriate penalty.
The police play a crucial role in investigating and responding to reports of hate crime. They have specific powers and procedures for gathering evidence, supporting victims, and referring cases to the Crown Prosecution Service for potential prosecution. Throughout the process, victims are entitled to protection and support, and the criminal justice system aims to ensure that hate crimes are dealt with swiftly and effectively.
If you have experienced or witnessed a hate crime, it is important to report it so that the authorities can take action and help prevent further harm. For more information on how the police handle hate crime investigations, see our section on Dealing with Police.
Reporting Hate Crimes and Victim Support
Reporting Hate Crimes and Victim Support
If you have experienced or witnessed a hate crime, it is important to know how to report the incident and access the support you need. Hate crimes are criminal offences motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person’s race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or transgender identity. Reporting these offences helps ensure justice is served and can prevent further harm to others.
How to Report a Hate Crime
You can report a hate crime directly to the police by calling 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-emergencies. Reports can also be made in person at your local police station or online through the police website. If you do not feel comfortable going directly to the police, there are third-party reporting centres and community organisations that can help you make a report confidentially.
When making a report, try to provide as much detail as possible, including:
- What happened and where the incident took place
- The time and date of the offence
- Descriptions of those involved
- Any evidence, such as messages, photos, or videos
You do not need to be certain that an incident is a hate crime for the police to investigate. If you believe you or someone else has been targeted because of who they are, it is always worth reporting.
For more information about how hate crimes are prosecuted and handled, you can visit the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) website.
Why Reporting Matters
Reporting hate crimes is vital for several reasons:
- Justice: It allows the police to investigate and bring offenders to justice. Hate crimes are taken seriously and can result in harsher penalties under laws such as the Hate Crime (Sentencing) Act 1997.
- Prevention: Reporting helps authorities monitor patterns of hate crime and take action to prevent future offences in your community.
- Support: It ensures victims and witnesses can access the help and protection they need.
Support Services for Victims
Victims of hate crimes often experience emotional distress, anxiety, or fear. There are a range of support services available, including:
- Counselling and emotional support: Many organisations offer free and confidential counselling to help you cope with the impact of hate crime.
- Legal advice: You can access guidance on your rights and the legal process, including support with making a statement or attending court.
- Practical help: This may include assistance with housing, safety planning, or financial support if the crime has affected your living situation.
If you are a victim of hate crime and also experiencing abuse at home, you may find it helpful to read our guide on how to report abuse. Additional information on financial and housing assistance for abuse victims is also available.
What to Expect When Reporting
When you report a hate crime, the police will treat your case with sensitivity and respect. You can expect:
- To be listened to and taken seriously
- The opportunity to have someone with you for support
- Clear information about what will happen next
- Updates on the progress of your case
- Access to victim support services
You can choose to remain anonymous if you wish, although providing your details can help the police investigate more effectively.
Remember, you do not have to go through this process alone. There are people and organisations ready to support you every step of the way. If you want to understand more about the laws that protect you, you can read the Hate Crime (Sentencing) Act 1997 for details on how hate crimes are treated by the courts.
Rights of Victims of Hate Crimes
Rights of Victims of Hate Crimes
If you have experienced a hate crime, you have important legal rights and protections under UK law. These rights are designed to ensure your safety, support your recovery, and help you access justice.
Legal Rights and Protection
Victims of hate crimes are entitled to the same legal protections as all victims of crime, with additional safeguards recognising the serious impact of hate-motivated offences. The Victims’ Code, which sets out the minimum standards of support for victims of crime in England and Wales, gives you the right to:
- Report the crime to the police and have it taken seriously.
- Receive information about the progress of the police investigation and any prosecution.
- Be treated with respect and sensitivity, with consideration for your personal circumstances and needs.
If you are at risk, the police can take steps to protect you. This may include measures such as restraining orders or bail conditions to prevent further contact from the perpetrator.
Access to Justice and Support
As a victim, you have the right to be kept informed about your case. This means you should receive updates on significant developments, such as whether a suspect has been charged, if the case is going to court, and the outcome of any trial.
You are also entitled to support services, which can offer practical help and emotional support. This might include counselling, advice on personal safety, and assistance with navigating the criminal justice process. These services are available regardless of whether the perpetrator is identified or prosecuted.
Victim Impact Statements
When a hate crime case goes to court, you have the right to make a Victim Personal Statement (VPS). This allows you to explain, in your own words, how the crime has affected you physically, emotionally, and financially. The court takes your statement into account when deciding on the appropriate sentence for the offender. Making a VPS is voluntary, but it can be a powerful way to ensure your voice is heard during the proceedings.
Your Right to Seek Help
It is important to remember that you do not have to face the aftermath of a hate crime alone. Knowing your rights can help you feel more confident in seeking justice and support. If you are unsure about what to do next, you can contact the police or a victim support service for confidential advice. Taking action can help protect you and others, and ensure that hate crimes are taken seriously by the authorities.
Understanding and exercising your rights is a crucial step towards safety, recovery, and justice. If you have been affected by a hate crime, don’t hesitate to reach out for help and make sure your voice is heard.
Related Topics and Further Reading
If you would like to explore related topics and deepen your understanding of hate crimes and discrimination under UK law, there are several resources available to guide you.
One useful starting point is our overview of What Counts as Discrimination. This resource explains the different forms of discrimination covered by UK law, including direct and indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimisation. It also outlines the legal protections in place for individuals facing unfair treatment because of protected characteristics such as race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Reading this section can help you understand how hate crimes fit within the wider legal framework addressing discrimination.
By exploring these related topics, you can gain a clearer picture of your rights, the obligations of others, and the steps you can take if you have experienced a hate crime or discrimination. This knowledge can also help you support others who may be affected and understand the broader social and legal efforts to tackle hate and promote equality in the UK.
If you have further questions or want practical advice on what to do if you are affected by hate crimes or discrimination, consider reading through the linked resources for more detailed guidance and information.
