What is hate crime?
A hate crime is any criminal offence which is motivated by hostility or prejudice based on the victim's
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Race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality or national origins (including prejudice against Gypsies and Travellers)
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Religion or faith
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Gender
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Sexual orientation
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Disability
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Age
Types of hate crime.
Hate crime can be expressed in many forms. Examples can be:
- Physical attack such as assault on a person, damage to a property, offensive graffiti or arson.
- Threat of attack including offensive letters, abusive or obscene phone calls, malicious complaints, dirty looks and intimidating stares.
- Verbal abuse or insults.
- Other abuse such as bullying at home or at work/school, dumping of rubbish outside the victim's property, theft or fraud.
Effects of hate crime.
Hate crime can lead to a feeling of fear or anger. Many people also start to feel depressed and worried about going out. As well as the psychological effects of hate crime, victims may also suffer a financial burden if they have to replace damaged property or need to take time off work as a consequence of stress or anxiety.
Open Out
If you need more information or want to report hate crime, please visit the Open Out website. Open Out is an independent reporting scheme for anyone living in Cambridgeshire. You can speak to the scheme coordinator in strict confidence or you can choose to remain anonymous if you prefer.