Ways to spot a hate crime

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.

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

If you are experiencing any of these things it is important to talk to somebody you trust who can help you.

Examples of hate crime and some warning signs

Coercion or mate crime

“A group of people pretended to be my friends and conned me out of £4,000.”

  • You are giving away your possessions or money.
  • Your possessions or money are going missing.
  • You have been drinking alcohol or using drugs.

Theft

“I had my mobile phone stolen in GCSEs…at uni other students told me I was targeted because I was weird.”

  • Your possessions or money are going missing.

Property damage

“We had equipment provided to keep our disabled child safe repeatedly damaged and were mocked for having extra needs.”

  • Your possessions or property is damaged or destroyed.

Physical or sexual abuse

“My son was bullied at school and online…He has been called a r****d and a boy tried to gouge his eyes out.”

  • People are hurting you.
  • People are doing things you don’t feel comfortable with.
  • People are making you do things to yourself that you don’t feel comfortable with.
  • You are sore or have markings around your genitals or other areas of your body.
  • Your mood has changed, you are more anxious, afraid and uncertain about things because of what people are doing to you.

Verbal abuse or intimidation

“I’ve been called a paedophile, druggie, weirdo, r****d…”

  • People are saying or doing things that make you feel uncomfortable, sad or scared.
  • Your possessions or property is damaged or destroyed.
  • You are afraid to go somewhere, leave home or go home.