Hate crime
Acts of violence or any behaviour that leaves you feeling harassed, bullied, intimidated, abused or discriminated against are not acceptable. You have a right to feel safe at University. The University have policies in place to deal with instances of this nature. There are also other ways to report and receive support for any incident affecting you.
I HAVE BEEN THE TARGET OF A HATE CRIME/WITNESSED A HATE CRIME. WHAT CAN I DO TO REPORT THE CRIME OR RECEIVE SUPPORT?
The definition of a hate crime, according to the Crown Prosecution Service, is: “Any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice, based on a person’s disability or perceived disability; race or perceived race; or religion or perceived religion; or sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation or a person who is transgender or perceived to be transgender.”
Some incidents of discrimination, which do not constitute a criminal offence under the law, are categorised as ‘hate incidents’. In any case, please remember that what matters most is the experience of the victim, not the perception of the perpetrator. In other words, if you feel that you have been the victim of a hate incident, then you have been.
You may feel that you don’t want to tell anyone about the incident. You might feel:
- Ashamed or embarrassed
- Like it won’t make a difference
- That the incident is too common to report
- That you won’t be taken seriously
- That you cannot report it anonymously
Whilst it’s understandable that you might feel this way, we’re here to help you find out about the various reporting channels and valuable support on offer, so you don’t feel alone in what you’ve been through.
I’ve suffered abuse online. Is this still a hate incident? [+]
Yes. In fact, stirring up or inciting hatred online – on the basis of any of the characteristics listed above – can be prosecuted as a hate crime in England and Wales. This also covers the content of websites, for example if this content threatens or harasses a group of people. This could be in the form of words, pictures, videos or even music.
Further information about being free from hate and staying safe online can be accessed here:
For more information about hate crimes and hate incidents, you can have a look at this useful document created by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Reporting: [+]
If you have been the target of a hate crime, or have witnessed one, there are a number of reporting options available to you. Make sure to consider the options carefully to decide which route is best for you, and remember to take care of yourself throughout the process. You do not have to choose just one option.
To the police
In an emergency, always contact the Police – phone 999.
If it is not an emergency situation (often where there is no immediate or ongoing threat or danger), you can call 101 or attend Durham Police Station which is at New Elvet.
Durham Constabulary (Police) also has a webpage devoted to Hate Crime and can be accessed here.
You can also report to the Police online at https://www.report-it.org.uk/home
To the University
The University has a Report + Support tool where you can report hate incidents, either anonymously, to the police or to the University. Remember that you have a right to report what has happened to you, and to get the help you need with deciding what to do next.
The University also has a network of Harassment Contacts who can be approached by students. These contacts are there to listen and support you, and explain what options are available to you. A list of Harassment Contacts is available here.
Anonymously to Pincident
You can also report the incident on our anonymous online reporting tool, Pincident. The tool maps street harassment, violence and discrimination in Durham City Centre to help us more effectively tackle this behaviour. It is not a formal reporting service and not a replacement for the above options. Find out more about Pincident here.
Citizens Advice
You can also go to your local Citizens Advice to report a hate crime, as they are a Third Party Reporting Centre. They work with other organisations to make sure you get all the help you need.
Durham Students' Union
Durham SU is a Hate Crime Reporting Centre, and can take you through your options in terms of reporting the hate incident. Please complete our confidential online Advice Intake Form and a member of our team will be in touch as soon as possible.
Support: [+]
Your college
You can disclose incidents of hate crime to your College Student Support Office. They will provide you with support and refer you to specialist help as appropriate. Please note that this is not the same as reporting the incident to the University using the Report + Support tool. This option is especially beneficial if the incident occurred in college. You can find a list of college support staff contacts here.
Durham University Counselling Service
All of the Durham University Counselling Service counsellors have the skills to support you. If you feel your studies or your wellbeing are being impacted in particular, the counselling service might be the best option for you. Find more information here.
Durham Students' Union
If you would like confidential advice and support on each of your options, our Advice Service at the Students’ Union can help with that. Please complete our confidential online Advice Intake Form and a member of our team will be in touch as soon as possible.
Nightline
If you would like to speak to another student confidentially, Nightline is a student-run, non-directive, non-advisory listening service open every night of term between 21:00 and 07:00. You can find their number on their website, the back of your campus card or contact them through online messaging here.
Talking changes
Talking changes is a self-help, counselling and talking therapies service run by the NHS and designed to help anyone living in the County Durham and Darlington area to help deal with mental health problems.
Hate Crime Advocacy Service (HCAS)
The Hate Crime Advocacy Service (HCAS) works directly with victims and witnesses of hate crimes and incidents to support them through the process of prosecution. It can also offer help to deal with the crime to which they have been subjected. Victims or witnesses of a hate crime can obtain free, confidential support by email: hcasdurham2017@gmail.com or by calling 01325 267359.
Equality Advisory and Support Service
The EASS can give information and guidance on discrimination and human rights issues. The service is free and fully accessible by phone (0808 800 0082), email, fax, post, video link for those who wish use BSL and has access to advocacy services for those with mental ill-health and people with a learning disability.
Tell Mama
Tell MAMA (Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks) is a secure and reliable service that allows people from across England to report any form of Anti-Muslim abuse. They have created a unique portal where individuals may address their concerns and record any incident that they experience as a result of their Muslim faith or someone perceiving them to be Muslim.
Page last reviewed: 12/08/2021
