Hate crime and hate incidents are never acceptable. Nobody should have to live with the fear and anxiety they can cause. The University does not tolerate hostility or prejudice directed at any member of its community, whether on campus, online, in University accommodation or in the wider community.

Hate incidents

A hate incident is any behaviour, whether or not it is a crime, that the person affected, or anyone else, perceives to be motivated by hostility or prejudice. Examples include:

  • verbal abuse, such as name-calling and offensive jokes
  • harassment
  • bullying or intimidation by children, adults, neighbours or strangers
  • physical attacks, such as hitting, punching, pushing or spitting
  • threats of violence
  • hoax calls, abusive phone calls or text messages, and hate mail
  • online abuse, for example on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat or X
  • displaying or circulating discriminatory literature or posters
  • harm or damage to belongings, such as your home, pet or vehicle
  • graffiti
  • arson
  • throwing rubbish into a garden
  • malicious complaints, for example about parking, smells or noise

Police forces in England also record, and may treat as hate crime, incidents motivated by hostility towards other personal characteristics, such as someone's alternative subculture (for example, Goths or Punks).

Hate crimes

When a hate incident is also a criminal offence, it is known as a hate crime. A criminal offence is something that breaks the law. Examples include:

  • assault
  • criminal damage
  • harassment
  • sexual assault
  • murder
  • theft
  • fraud
  • burglary
  • hate mail

When a crime is motivated by hostility towards one of the characteristics above, the courts can impose a more severe sentence.

Race and religious hate crime

Racist and religious hate crime can be particularly hurtful because the person is targeted because of their identity: their actual or perceived race, ethnic origin, belief or faith. These crimes can happen randomly, or as part of a continuing campaign of harassment and victimisation.

Further information:

Homophobic and transphobic hate crime

Incidents against lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people have historically been under-reported and rarely prosecuted. Research suggests that many victims and witnesses have had little confidence in the criminal justice system. Reporting is important, and you will be taken seriously.

Further information:

Disability hate crime

Feeling or being unsafe because of violence, harassment or negative stereotyping can have a significant effect on disabled people's sense of security and wellbeing. It can also limit their ability to take part socially and economically in their communities.

Further information:

If this has happened to you, or you have seen it happen

Experiencing or witnessing hate crime can be frightening and upsetting. Everyone reacts differently. What happened is not your fault. Support is available whether or not you decide to report it.

For further information on internet hate crime, see True Vision's guidance on online hate.

If the behaviour also involves bullying, harassment, discrimination or sexual misconduct, please see the University's related guidance.

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