Hate crime
Hate crime is a term that’s used to describe a range of criminal offences which can be language or actions against you because of your disability, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, religion, or any other perceived difference.
These behaviours are motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's race or perceived race; religion or perceived religion; sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation; disability or perceived disability and any crime motivated by hostility or prejudice against a person who is transgender or perceived to be transgender.
Types of hate crime
There is no single type of hate crime, the behaviour can be a one-off event or a repeated occurrence this can include physical assault, verbal abuse, incitement of others to commit a hate crime, intimidation, online trolling, damaging property or harassment.
Practical advice and emotional support
If you’ve experienced hate crime, remember that it's not your fault. Hate crime can leave you feeling frightened, angry or lose trust in other community members.
There are some practical things that can help you feel safer.
- Improve your basic home security:
- For Loughborough students, if you live in the community Victim First can support by adding locks and bolts to doors and windows. If you live in University accommodation, you can discuss with your warden team or campus security.
- For London students, in Newham please contact Stay Safe East, or visit your local police station who can discuss safety measures with you.
- Keep a note of all incidents related to the hate crime, including times, dates and details of what happened, you can download the evidence form from the related document section.
- Speak to someone a friend or member of University staff, you can ask someone to accompany you, if you decide to report the crime to the police
Documents
Can I access support off campus?
For Loughborough students:
- Victim First provide a drop-in support once a month at Loughborough University. You can book an appointment online.
- You can report directly to Leicestershire Police.
For London students:
- If you are a victim of hate crime call the Redbridge Equalities and Community Council Hate Crime Hotline on: 020 8551 8178. Telephone service is open 6 pm- 12 pm midnight 7 days a week.
- You can contact Stay Safe East for help and support for deaf and disabled people: tel 0208 519 7241, SMS/text 0758 7134 122.
What to do if someone tells you they have experienced a hate crime
- Acknowledge how difficult the situation is, that hate crime can cause a range of emotions which are understandable.
- Show support and avoid blaming them or being judgemental.
- Listen to the student, reassure that they are not alone and will be listened to.
- Encourage to express feelings and allow the student to make their own decisions.
You can also signpost them to access support from the University or other organisations detailed above.
How can the university provide support?
A Student Services team member can listen, provide you with emotional and practical support, and talk through options available for you. You can do this by completing a report on our Online Incident Reporting Portal.
If the person who has subjected you to hate crime is another student, you may wish to look at the university disciplinary procedures.