Hate Crime Awareness week

What is hate crime?

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”.

Examples of this could be using racist or homophobic language during a physical assault, using a hate associated symbol in graffiti or using language in public that is likely to cause distress.

How common is it? 

2022-2023 is the first year since the home office started collecting data. Increases in previous years have been thought to be due to improvements in the recording of crime.

152,758 hate crimes were reported in 2022/23 (Home Office)

Of these:

101,906 were racially motivated

24,102 related to sexual orientation

13,777 related to disability

8,241 were religiously motivated

4,732 related to transgender identity

What is the impact of hate crime?

Hate crime can have a serious impact on both physical and mental health. Common effects are (but not limited to): fear, anxiety, depression, altered sleep patterns, panic attacks, changes to daily life patterns, financial insecurities, insecurity and isolation.

How does intersectionality impact hate crimes?

Intersectionality is an understanding that multiple forms of inequality or disadvantage can compound themselves and create obstacles that are not understood among conventional ways of thinking. This means that people can be at risk of multiple hate crimes which can lead to further distress.

What do I do if I experience a hate crime?

Firstly, make sure you are safe. Do you need emergency assistance? If so, call 999 and security if you are on campus on 01273 873333.  Secondly, be kind to yourself. Give yourself some time to process what has happened and acknowledge any negative feelings or emotions that you might be feeling.

Report and Support is a way for you to report any incidence of bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse, stalking, spiking or discrimination. Making a named report to Report and Support means an advisor can contact you to offer support. You can report anonymously if you just want the University to know about something.

An advisor can talk to you about reporting to student discipline or the police if this is what you would like to do. You have autonomy and an advisor we will support you in your decision. In rare circumstances where there are significant safeguarding concerns, the University may have a duty to act.

Below are a variety of resources that you can access

Hersana – support black femme survivors of GBV

stophateuk.org – 24 hr helpline, reporting platform

Switchboard – LGBTQ+ holistic and Domestic Abuse support

The Rainbow Hub – holistic support, reporting platform

Speak Out – drop-in, 1-1 advocacy for people with a learning disability

Possability People – advice & information, workshops, care

University Therapeutic Services

Race and Belonging Group

The police will be in the student centre on the 13th October (3-4), 14th October (11-12) and 17th October (1-3) for students to ask questions. 

The Wellbeing Team

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