What is a hate crime?

A hate crime is any crime where somebody is targeted because of their disability.

A hate incident is when somebody is targeted because of their disability, but the act committed against them doesn’t amount to a crime. Multiple hate incidents committed by the same person against the same victim can become a hate crime.

These two videos explain what a hate crime is…

This animation was made in partnership with True Vision, which is a police-funded web site designed to provide you with information about hate crime.

Our Advocacy Lead, Mark, has a learning disability. In this video (made with the Foundation For People With Learning Disabilities) he explains what hate crime is.

A hate crime can be when somebody does something that could:

  • Hurt you
  • Scare you
  • Upset you
  • Damage your property
  • Steal something from you
  • Force you to do something you don’t want to do

Hate crime can come in different forms, and it might not be clear that you are a victim.

Sometimes people you think are your friends make you do things you don’t want to. This can also be a hate crime.

These things could be a hate crime:

  • If somebody makes you feel scared.
  • If somebody is damaging your home or things you own.
  • If somebody is taking money from you.
  • If somebody is hurting your body or doing things you don’t want them to.
  • If somebody is shouting things that make you feel upset.
  • If somebody you know is forcing you to do things you aren’t comfortable with.
  • If somebody you know isn’t being nice to you or laughs at you.

Examples of hate crime and some warning signs

Coercion or mate crime

This is when people who pretend to be your friend make you do things that you do not want to do, or do things to you that you don’t want them to do.

This can be giving them things or money.

Or it can be doing bad things for them.

People who pretend to be your friends can hurt your feelings and your body.

Theft

This is when somebody takes something that is yours.

They might do this without permission.

Or they might do this after tricking you into saying yes.

Property damage

This is when somebody damages something you own or somewhere you live.

This could be breaking something you own or damaging your home.

Physical or sexual abuse

This is when somebody does something to your body that you don’t like.

They might hurt your body or they might touch your body in ways that you don’t want them to.

Verbal abuse or intimidation

This is when somebody says something that upsets or scares you.

They might call you names or threaten to do something.

What should I do if this happens to me?

Knowing what a hate crime is will help you protect yourself. If you think someone is committing a hate crime against you, you should talk to somebody you trust so they can help.

If you are worried about your safety, talk to your support team or carer, or someone trust.