How do I report a hate crime?
Crimes committed against someone because of their disability, gender or gender identity, race, religion, belief or sexual orientation are hate crimes and should be reported to the police.
In an emergency call 999.
H&F Council
You can report hate crimes to H&F Council's Community Safety Unit by:
- Filling out this form online
- Emailing hatecrime@lbhf.gov.uk
- Calling 020 8753 2693.
After reports are made to H&F Council, we will get in touch with you with tailored support and to discuss next steps.
Stop Hate UK
Stop Hate UK provides an alternative for people who don't want to report hate crime to the council or police. You can access independent support and information, 24 hours a day, every day of the year including an LGBTQ+ helpline. Witnesses of incidents can also report and receive support via the helpline.
- Report hate crime to Stop Hate UK online
- Call the 24-hour Stop Hate UK helpline on 0800 138 1625
- Or text Stop Hate UK on 07717 989 025, 24/7.
Police
- Report hate crime to the Met Police online
- Contact your local police station by calling 101.
Crimestoppers
- To report anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Read our strategy on preventing hate crime in H&F
What is hate crime?
Hate crime is any criminal offence committed against a person or property that is motivated by an offender's hatred of someone because of their:
- race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality or national origins
- religion
- transgender identity
- sexual orientation
- disability.
Hate crime can take many forms including:
- physical attacks – such as physical assault, damage to property, offensive graffiti, neighbour disputes and arson
- threat of attack – including offensive letters, abusive or obscene phone calls, groups hanging around to intimidate and unfounded, malicious complaints
- verbal abuse or insults – offensive leaflets and posters, abusive gestures, dumping of rubbish outside homes or through letterboxes, and bullying at school or in the workplace.
The True Vision website gives more information about reporting hate crime.
Services and support for hate crime
All hate crimes
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS)
ACAS gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules, and best practice. They also deal with disputes where individuals claim their employer has denied them a legal right.
0300 123 1100
www.acas.org.uk
CATCH – Community Alliance to Combat Hate (CATCH)
CATCH is a group of charities working to end hate crime. They offer specialist advice and help to people targeted with violences, abuse or harassment because of their race, religion, disability, sexuality or gender identity.
www.catch-hatecrime.org.uk
Crimestoppers
Crimestoppers for confidential, anonymous crime reporting.
0800 555 111
www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Equality and Human Rights Commission
This commission aims to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society.
0800 800 0082
www.equalityhumanrights.com
Kick It Out
Kick It Out is football's equality and inclusion organisation. It works throughout the football, educational and community sectors to challenge discrimination, encourage inclusive practices and campaign for positive change.
www.kickitout.org
Mermaids UK
Mermaids UK provide independent, confidential and accessible support to victims and witnesses.
https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/hate-crime-support/
Samaritans
Samaritans provides confidential, non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide.
Free to call on 116 123
www.samaritans.org
Stop Hate UK
Stop Hate UK is a charity dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of discrimination and hate crime, encouraging reporting and supporting individuals and communities it affects.
24-hour helpline: 0800 138 1625
https://www.stophateuk.org/report-hate-crime/
True Vision
True Vision provides advice and support to victims of hate incidents and crime, including online reporting.
www.report-it.org.uk
Victim Support
Vitim Support give help, information, and support to victims of crime and their family and friends.
0808 168 9111
https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/crime-info/types-crime/hate-crime/
Race or religion
Anthony Walker Foundation
Anthony Walker Foundation works to tackle racism, hare crime and discrimination by providing educational opportunities, victim support services and by promoting equity and inclusion for all.
https://anthonywalkerfoundation.com/
Community Security Trust (CST) (National Organisation for Jewish Victims)
CST has a dedicated team in response to antisemitic incidents and provides victim support.
0208 457 9999
www.cst.org.uk
Refugee Action
Refugee Action is involved in the reception, resettlement, development and integration of asylum seekers and refugees, as well as dealing with any problems they may face, such as hate crime.
0800 141 2426
www.refugee-action.org.uk
Tell Mama
Tell Mama is a secure and reliable service that allows people from across England to report any form of Anti-Muslim abuse.
0800 456 1226 www.tellmamauk.org
The Joint Council For The Welfare Of Immigrants (JCWI)
JCWI provide representation and advocacy on behalf of clients suffering racial discrimination and racially motivated hate crimes.
0207 251 8708
www.jcwi.org.uk
The Muslim Community Helpline
The Muslim Community Helpline is a national organisation for women, men, and young people and is a confidential, non -judgemental listening and emotional support service.
0208 904 8193
www.muslimcommunityhelpline.org.uk
The Muslim Council Of Britain (MCB)
MCB is a national representative Muslim umbrella body with more than 500 affiliated national, regional, and local organisations, mosques, charities, and schools.
0845 262 6786
https://mcb.org.uk/
West London Welcome
West London Welcome is a community centre run for and with refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and other locals living in West London.
www.westlondonwelcome.com
Sexual orientation and transgender identity services
FFLAG
FFLAG supporting parents and families and their LGBT+ members who face homophobic and transphobia.
www.fflag.org.uk
support@fflag.org.uk
GALOP
GALOP supports LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence (including hate crime, domestic abuse, sexual violence, so called "conversion therapy" or any other kind of abuse).
0800 999 5428
www.galop.org.uk
Pink Parents
Pink Parents is a volunteer-based, non-profit organisation. It offers a range of support services and social activities for all LGBTQ+ families.
www.pinkparents.org.uk
Stonewall
Stonewall works with a whole range of agencies to address the needs of lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals in the wider community.
www.stonewall.org.uk
Switchboard
Switchboard is the national LGBTQIA+ support line. For anyone, anywhere in the country, at any point in their journey. They can discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity. Whether it's sexual health, relationships or just the way you're feeling.
0800 0119 100
hello@switchboard.lgbt www.switchboard.lgbt
Disability hate crimes
AGE UK
AGE UK provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people.
0800 678 1602
www.ageuk.org.uk
Ann Craft Trust
Ann Craft Trust support organisations to safeguard adults and minimise the risk of harm.
www.anncrafttrust.org
DIAL (Disability Information and Advice Line)
DIAL provide information and support to individuals living with disability.
www.dialuk.info
Inclusion London
Inclusion London provide a pre-therapy service, support and advocacy for families and people living with visible or invisible disability and discrimination in London.
https://www.inclusionlondon.org.uk/directory/services/disability-hate-c…
MENCAP
MENCAP work with people with a learning disability to change laws, challenge prejudice and support them to live their lives as they choose.
0808 808 1111
www.mencap.org.uk
Mind
Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
0300 123 3393
www.mind.org.uk
Respond
Respond support people with learning disabilities, autism or both, who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma in their lives.
020 7383 0700
www.respond.org.uk
Scope
Scope aims to drive the changes that will make our society the first in which disabled people are able to realise their full civil liberties and human rights.
0808 800 3333
www.scope.org.uk/helpline/
Support for young people
Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT)
AKT is a national charity providing support for LGBTQ+ 16-26 year olds at risk or currently experiencing homelessness.
020 7831 6562
https://www.akt.org.uk/get-immediate-support/
Barnardo's
Barnardo's help children and young people feel safer, happier, healthier and more hopeful.
www.barnardos.org.uk
EACH (Educational Action Challenging Homophobia)
EACH helps young people affected by homophobic bullying in England and Wales and is available 10am to 4pm weekdays. It gives callers the opportunity to receive confidential help and support.
0808 100 0143 www.eachaction.org.uk
Fearless
Fearless is part of Crimestoppers and enables young people to pass on information about crime 100% anonymously.
0800 555 111
https://crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless
Gingerbread
Gingerbread provide advice and support for single parents and their children.
0808 802 0925
www.gingerbread.org.uk
NSPCC (National Society to Prevent Cruelty to Children)
NSPCC information, advice and resources for young people, parents and professionals around child abuse, gangs and other forms of exploitation.
24/7 phoneline 0808 800 5000
help@nspcc.org.uk
www.nspcc.org.uk
Alternative sub-cultures
The Sophie Lancaster Foundation
The Sophie Lancaster Foundation can offer support and advice to individuals suffering abuse because of their lifestyle of cultural interests.
https://www.sophielancasterfoundation.com/
Gypsy and traveller
Friends, Families, and Travellers (FFT)
FFT work to end racism and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people.
- 01273 234 777
- www.gypsy-traveller.org
The Traveller Movement
The Traveller Movement advocate for work and work with Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller people to tackle discrimination and promote equality.
Street Harassment PSPO
In H&F we have introduced a borough wide public space protection order (PSPO) to reduce incidents of antisocial behaviour and improve the safety for all those who work, live, or visit the borough. Such behaviour includes sexist, homophobic and transphobic slurs and unwanted verbal or physical attention. Find out more about the PSPO and how to report breaches here Street harassment public spaces protection order (PSPO).
Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)
We know that people can experience various forms of abuse simultaneously including violence against women and girls (VAWG). Anyone can experience VAWG, including men and boys and people from all communities, but we know that women and girls are the most affected. For more information on support available for women and men who experience these types of abuse including but not limited to domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking and harassment you can find out more information here Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
How can I support those affected by hate crime?
You can read and share our supporting victims of hate crime leaflet (pdf 3MB).
How can I stand against hate crime?
There is no place for hate in H&F. You can sign our pledge to show you will stand against prejudice and support victims.