Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and valued in their community. Understanding the difference between a hate crime and a hate incident is an important step towards tackling prejudice, discrimination, and hostility.
What is a hate crime?
A hate crime is a criminal offence that is perceived by the victim or another person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone because of their:
Race or ethnicity
Religion or belief
Sexual orientation
Disability
Transgender identity
Examples may include a physical assault, criminal damage, threats, or harassment motivated by prejudice towards one or more of these characteristics.
What is a hate incident?
A hate incident is an act or behaviour perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone because of a personal characteristic, but which does not necessarily constitute a criminal offence.
Although a hate incident may not meet the threshold for a criminal offence, it can still cause distress, fear and harm to individuals and communities.
How can you help?
Speak up against prejudice and discrimination.
Support anyone affected by hate or hostility.
Report hate crimes and hate incidents.
Help raise awareness and promote respect, inclusion and understanding.
If you or someone you know has experienced a hate crime, you can also report it to the police. Call 999 if there is an immediate danger or emergency, or 101 for non-emergency police assistance.
Together, we can help build safer, more inclusive communities where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Need support or information?
If you have experienced or witnessed a hate crime or hate incident, or would like further information, you can contact us at hatecrime@eerc.org.uk . We are here to help provide information and guidance on the support available.
Our helplines are available Monday to Wednesday, 10 am to 4 pm:
PL/LT/EN: 07521857415
RO/EN: 07730021986
UA/RU/EN: 07718612218
This is in line with the information available as of 15/10/2026.