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Wealden District Council > Community and Safety > Crime and Disorder and Community Safety > Hate Crime

Hate Crime

What is hate crime?

With hate crime it is ‘who’ the victim is, or ‘what’ the victim appears to be that motivates the offender to commit the crime.

A hate crime is defined as ‘Any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be 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.’

Hate crime should be reported not ignored. Hate crime can fall into one of four main forms:

  • Physical assault
  • Verbal abuse

Threats or name-calling can be a common and extremely unpleasant experience for minority groups. Victims of verbal abuse are often unclear whether an offence has been committed or believe there is little they can do. However, there are laws in place to protect you from verbal abuse.

  • Incitement to hatred

The offence of incitement to hatred occurs when someone acts in a way that is threatening and intended to stir up hatred. That could be in words, pictures, videos, music, and includes information posted on websites.

  • Criminal damage 

Reporting

Non urgent reporting

You can report a hate crime, including online hate crime and planned marches or events online, directly to Sussex Police. Report a hate Crime – Sussex Police 

Alternatively call 101. 

Anonymous reporting

Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 

Community safety concerns

If you notice rising tensions, anti-social behaviour or any other signs of unrest in your community you can contact Wealden District Council’s community safety officer on SaferWealdenPartnership@wealden.gov.uk

Specialist support services

Tell MAMA

A national project supporting victims of anti-Muslim hate and monitoring anti-Muslim incidents.

Galop

A national charity providing advice and support to members of the LGBT community.

CST

A charity protecting British Jews from antisemitism and related threats.

Always call 999 in an emergency.