Have you been victimised because of your race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity?  If so, this is a hate crime.

What is hate crime?

A hate crime is any crime motivated by malice, ill-will or prejudice against:

• disability
• race
• religion or belief
• sexual orientation
• transgender identity

You don't have to be physically attacked or injured to be a victim of hate crime.  Hate crime can include:

• having insulting graffiti sprayed on your house or car
• having hurtful things said to you day after day
• being pushed, hit or hurt
• having something you own vandalised
• having something belonging to your community vandalised
• having your belongings stolen
• people threatening you, your friends or family
• people swearing at you or making abusive remarks
• people making you feel scared, intimidated or distressed

Reporting hate crime helps the police find those responsible for hate crime and prosecute them.  It also helps the police get a better picture of what's happening in your community, highlights areas of concern, and monitors patterns of behaviour.

So even if you don't leave your details, reporting hate crime will help others.

What does the law say about hate crime?

Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 created two offences: racially aggravated conduct and racially aggravated harassment.

The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 protects those who are targeted as a result of hatred of their actual or presumed sexual orientation, transgender identity or disability.

What does this mean?

Any crime committed because of prejudice against someone's actual or presumed race, religion, sexual orientation or identity, or disability is classed as an aggravated hate crime.  If a crime is classed as aggravated, the courts will take it into account when deciding sentences.  In most cases, if it's proven the main motivation was prejudice, sentencing will be more severe.

Third-party reporting. What is third-party reporting?

Many people, for various reasons, are reluctant to report crime directly to the police. Third-party reporting is an important way to overcome this. Third-party Reporting Centres are organisations that have agreed to assist by writing a report on your behalf and sending it to the Police. You can decide whether you want to provide your personal details or remain anonymous.

Why should you report?

There are many positive reasons for reporting:

• If you have been a victim, you can receive help and advice.
• You will help build a picture of the nature and extent of Hate Crime in your community.
• Your information will help the Police understand where to focus their resources.
• You will help to raise public awareness of the issue and change attitudes, which could prevent future hate crime.
• Your information may lead to arrest and conviction.

Role of a third-party centre

The Third Party Reporting Centre staff are trained to note your report in their own environment and allow you to take your time explaining what has happened to you or someone else.  Your report will be handled in confidence and you will be offered support and reassurance to help you through the process.

What happens next?

When the Police receive the report they will investigate the matter giving full attention to your needs. In some cases, the matter may not be criminal but will highlight a pattern of behaviour to the Police.

Ways to report hate crime

• In an emergency, phone 999
• If it's not an emergency, phone 101
• Visit your nearest police office
• Complete the online reporting form within the 'Keep Safe' section of the Police Scotland Website
• At a Third Party Reporting Centre, a list can be obtained on the Police Scotland website or by phoning 101.
• Alternatively, you can pass on information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers, by telephoning 0800 555 111 or using the online form on the Crimestoppers website
• Victim Support Helpline on 0845 603 9213