Crimes carried out against someone because of their race, religion, sexuality, disability or gender.
Call 999 if a crime is happening now or you're in immediate danger.
Hate crimes are carried against someone because of their race, religion, sexuality, disability or gender. They include:
- a physical attack, like hitting you
- threatening behaviour such as verbal abuse or rude gestures
- damage to property such as vandalism, graffiti or arson
- offensive letters or text messages
- offensive leaflets or posters
- getting others to carry out hate crimes
Report hate crime
Contact the police to report hate crime. You can:
- call 999 if a crime is happening now or if someone is in immediate danger
- call 101 if it's not an emergency
- fill in an online crime form Go to https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact-us/report-a-crime-or-incident/ (opens new window) through Avon and Somerset police
- visit your local Avon and Somerset police station Go to https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact-us/police-stations/ (opens new window)
You should report all hate crime, whether you're the victim, a witness or are making the report for someone else.
Some of Bristol's communities are at risk of under-reporting hate crime, due to a number of barriers, including language and cultural barriers.
Avon and Somerset Police have been working with partner agencies and communities to create informational videos in Urdu, Punjabi, Arabic and Somali.
Hate crime involving a council tenant
If you're a council tenant or the person responsible for the hate crime is a council tenant, you can also report it to the Estate Management Service.
What to do if the problem isn't resolved
You can start a community trigger if you've reported hate crime but don't feel enough action has been taken.
Get support
Free and confidential support is available from Bristol Hate Crime and Discrimination Services Go to https://www.bhcds.org.uk/ (opens new window).