Hate crimes and incidents
This page gives information on hate crimes and identifies where you can go for help, support and how you can report it.
We work closely with Durham Constabulary and through the Safe Durham Partnership to respond to hate crime and support and protect victims.
Who to contact to report a hate crime
If you are in imminent danger, dial 999 and seek immediate support.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a hate crime or a hate incident you should contact one of the following organisations:
- your local police on 101
- Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555
- online via True Vision website
What is hate crime
A hate crime is a criminal act which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by a person's:
- race, ethnic origin, or nationality
- religion
- sexual orientation
- disability
- gender identity
The difference between hate crime or a hate incident
A hate crime is a criminal offence where anyone believes the victim has been targeted due to any one of the factors identified above.
Hate incidents are incidents that do not constitute a criminal offence but cause alarm, distress or harassment where anyone believes the victim has been targeted due to any one of the factors above. Some hate incidents may become crimes if the numbers of incidents escalate.
Examples of hate crime or hate incidents
Hate crimes and incidents can be committed against a person or property and can include:
- offensive or dangerous substances being posted through the letterbox
- harassment
- bullying
- threats
- malicious communications such as offensive mail, text messages or emails
- verbal abuse
- physical violence and assault
- graffiti
- damage to your house or car
- arson
Hate crimes and incidents can also be directed at whole communities through:
- desecration of graveyards
- vandalism of places of worship
- offensive graffiti in public places
- acts of terrorism
National Hate Crime Awareness Week
National Hate Crime Awareness Week is a week of action to raise awareness of hate crime, to remember those we have lost and support those who need our ongoing support, held every October.
Further help and support
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a hate crime or incident further help and support is available from:
- Contact Social Care Direct
- scd@durham.gov.uk
- 03000 267 979
- 0191 383 5752
- Contact Gypsy Roma, Traveller Service
- GRTsites@durham.gov.uk
- 03000 262 546
