Hate crime and how to report it

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How to report hate crime

If there is an emergency please call the Police on 999, especially if the incident is happening or has just happened.

Reporting to Bristol City Council

If you are a council tenant you can also:

  • Telephone: 0117 922 2200 (Option 4), Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm
  • Email: estates@bristol.gov.uk
  • Fax: 0117 352 5104
  • Letter: Estate Management Service, PO Box 595, Bristol, BS99 2AW
  • Tell any member of Bristol City Councils Landlord Services team.

Information we will need

  • A description of the person(s) who carried out the hate crime.
  • Details of any witnesses.
  • Information about what happened, in as much detail as possible.
  • A diary record of incidents if they happen more than once.
  • Original copies of any letters or emails that you have received.
  • Evidence of any damage to your home, car or possessions. If possible please report any damage before clearing it up.

Reporting to the Police

Reporting to support agencies

Disability: WECIL (West of England Centre for Inclusive Living)

  • Telephone: 0117 377 2732
  • Text: 0779 544 6313
  • Complete DICE harassment incident report form
  • Email: dice@wecil.co.uk
  • Visit: WECIL, The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 2QQ

Gender: BDAF (Bristol Domestic Abuse Forum)

  • Telephone: 0117 914 2232
  • Fax: 0117 914 2223
  • Email: bdaf@bristol.gov.uk

Homophobic: EACH (Educational Action Challenging Homophobia and Transphobia)

Racist: SARI (Support Against Racist Incidents)

Victim Support

  • Telephone: 0845 456 6099
  • Email: admin@victimsupport.org.uk
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How Bristol City Council can help

We treat hate crime extremely seriously. If you report an incident to us we will:

  • Listen and offer advice.
  • Agree with you how often we will contact you. Your wishes will be taken into account at all times.
  • Arrange a referral to a support agency with your permission.
  • Offer you a diary book or dictaphone so that you can record:
    • The date and time of any further incidents.
    • Descriptions of those responsible, what was said, what happened and details of any witnesses.
  • Get the Police involved with your permission.
  • Thoroughly investigate and where possible, take legal action against the perpetrators.
  • Refer you to Avon and Somerset Constabulary's Safer Homes in Bristol Scheme, where trained carpenters will visit you to offer advice on security issues and where necessary fit locks, bolts, chains, door viewers e.t.c. free of charge.

At all stages we will keep you informed of any progress or action taken. Any information you give us will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

What we will do if you are a council tenant

In addition to the above when you report an incident:

  • Trained members of staff will listen to you and take your report.
  • We will carry out interviews in a private room or in your own home.
  • We will arrange an interpreter if you require one.
  • You can bring a friend or family member with you.
  • You will get an information pack.
  • If your home has been damaged we will carry out any repairs required as a priority. You will not be charged.
  • Your safety will be taken seriously at all times. Measure such as providing locks, safe letterboxes, spy-holes, an emergency alarm and security cameras can be put in place.

Carrying out hate crime is a breach of tenancy conditions. We will take legal action against any tenant who carries out hate crime, which could result in them losing their home.

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What is a hate crime?

Hate crime is any incident or behaviour that targets someone due to their:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Ethnicity or race
  • Gender
  • Gender identity
  • Religion or belief
  • Sexual orientation

It may or may not be a criminal offence. Anyone can be a victim of hate crime and it can take many forms including:

  • Physical attacks such as assaults
  • Vandalism or criminal damage to your home, car or possessions
  • Verbal abuse or abusive gestures
  • Offensive letters, leaflets, posters, graffiti, emails, texts or phone calls
  • Harassment and intimidation
  • Threats
  • Humiliation and degradation

It is intended to cause to maximum distress and the impact that it has is far reaching. It can lead to:

  • Stopping people from going outside
  • Destroying communities and neighbourhoods, with people living in fear
  • Contributing to a fear of crime and anti-social behaviour
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Why report hate crime?

Hate crime is a violation of personal and civil rights. It is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. If you do experience it or witness someone else suffering it, please report it immediately. Anything you tell us will be treated confidentially.

Only by working together can we put a stop to it. We work with the Police and a range of support agencies to tackle hate crime and we will do something about it.

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Who can report hate crime?

Anyone can report hate crime including:

  • Residents
  • Private tenants
  • Council tenants
  • Visitors
  • Local businesses
  • Community organisations
  • Employees
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Further information

Support Agencies websites

Leaflets for council tenants

Date for review:  16/12/2013 | Short link: http://www.bristol.gov.uk/node/6017
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