Racist and Religious Hate Crime

Being targeted because of who you are can be very damaging and isolating.
People from all communities have a right to be protected from the prejudice at the root of racist and religious hate crime, and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is determined to play its part in this.

To this end, we now have specialist hate crime prosecutors who are experienced in dealing with some of the common issues in racist and religious hate cases.

Where we have evidence that a crime took place because of hostility to someones race or religion, prosecutors will argue to courts that this is an aggravating factor.

We also offer support to victims and witnesses through Witness Care Officers. These people can help with anything from court transport and child care, to applying for special measures which allow vulnerable or intimidated witnesses to give evidence from behind a screen or via TV link, for example.

Earlier this year our annual Hate Crime Report found the conviction rate for racist and religious hate crime had risen. This information is useful in assessing how well we are prosecuting, but success cannot be measured in figures alone.

It is vital that people recognise what this crime is in the first place, from name-calling and physical attacks to offensive graffiti, abusive language or gestures. 

Often victims are not aware that what they are experiencing is a crime.