Hate Crime

What is a Hate Crime?

Hate crimes are any crimes that are directed at people because of who they are or who someone thinks they are.

People may be targeted because of their:

• disability
• race and ethnicity
• religion and beliefs
• sexual orientation
• gender identity

Hate crimes can take many different forms, including (but not limited to):

• violence
• criminal damage
• harassment and intimidation
• sexual violence

Anyone can be affected by hate crime, and it can be a very frightening and traumatic experience. It can feel particularly personal as someone has targeted you because of who they think you are.

It is important to remember that if you have been targeted because of who someone thinks you are, even if it is not the case, this is still a hate crime. For example, you may have been verbally abused because somebody thought you were gay, even though you are not.

No hate crime is acceptable. We all have a right to live without fear, hostility and intimidation from others because of who we are.

Reporting Hate Crime

Hate crimes and incidents hurt; they can be confusing and frightening.

By reporting them when they happen to you, you may be able to prevent these incidents from happening to someone else.  You will also help the police understand the extent of hate crime in your local area so they can better respond to it.

Reporting makes a difference - to you, your friends, and your community.

Report hate crime online

True Vision is a national police scheme to help victims report hate crime online (average completion time: 15 minutes).

Report by phone

Call 101. The police's national, non-emergency telephone number is staffed 24/7 to give you support and advice.

Visit a police station

If you'd prefer to speak to an officer in person, we can provide a safe and comfortable environment at any of our police stations.

Find your nearest police station on Lincolnshire Police's website

Alternatively, if you have information about a hate crime and you do not feel able to report this to the police you can pass the information on anonymously to Crimestoppers, by phoning 0800 555 111 or via their webpage in the links section below

Report hate material you've seen online

If you've seen something on a website or social media that promotes hatred or violence against a particular group, use Lincolnshire Police's online form to report it.

Report to Lincolnshire Police using their online form (average completion time: 15 minutes)

Support

If you've been the victim of crime, support is available, whether you choose to report the crime to the police or not, and regardless of when or where the crime happened.

Victim Lincs

Victim Lincs are specially trained to provide free, confidential advice and guidance if you have been the victim of crime. We can discuss the different support options available to you, and make referrals to specialist coping and recovery services, should you need it. They can: 

• Inform: Answer any queries or concerns that you may have, as well as provide practical advice and information
• Support: Discuss the support options available and, should you need further support, make a referral to the specialist service most suited to you
• Listen: Victim Lincs are independent to the police, so anything you tell them will be in confidence (unless there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or where there is a legal requirement

Contact Information

• Telephone: 01522 212333 (8am-4pm, Monday to Friday)
• Victim Lincs Hate Crime webpage
• Victim Support 24 hour Supportline: 08 08 16 89 111
• Victim Support 24/7 live chat service
• Victim Support contact using BSL
• Victim Support - My Support Space: Access a range of tools to help you cope and move forwards after crime in your own time and at your own pace. My Support Space is also available for those supporting someone after they've experienced crime or trauma, for example friends, family members, colleagues or neighbours.