Wealden District Council > Community and Safety > Crime and Disorder and Community Safety > Hate Crime Listen 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 assaultVerbal abuseThreats 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 hatredThe 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 ReportingNon urgent reportingYou 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 reportingCrimestoppers: 0800 555 111 Community safety concernsIf 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.ukSpecialist support servicesTell MAMAA national project supporting victims of anti-Muslim hate and monitoring anti-Muslim incidents.GalopA national charity providing advice and support to members of the LGBT community.CSTA charity protecting British Jews from anti-semitism and related threats.Always call 999 in an emergency.
