Hate Crime

Hate crime includes offences relating to

• Race
• Religion
• Sexual orientation
• Sexuality and gender identity
• Disability
• Domestic violence
• Violence against women
• Crimes against the older person

They all have one thing in common - they are motivated by hate or prejudice and can often make the crime even more distressing.

Did you know that ...

If the courts decide that the accused person showed hostility or was motivated by hostility towards the victim of the crime because of their race, religion,sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability they can impose a greater sentence than otherwise would have been given?

For example, a racially aggravated wounding offence in the Crown Court could earn a sentence of 7 years as opposed to one without the racial element which would be a maximum of 5 years. We have designated prosecutors for each type of hate crime who are specialists in that type of crime.

Our witness care officers can put you in touch with organisations who can support you.The Police can take action to see that you are protected if you are intimidated as a result of reporting a crime.

We work with local organisations who represent communities affected by hate crime to seek better ways of supporting victims.