‘Hate Crime’ is the term used to describe both Hate Crimes and Hate Incidents.
A Hate Crime is any criminal offence that the victim or anyone else, believes was motivated by hostility or prejudice.
A Hate Incident may not be a crime in law, but it feels like one, and these incidents can often escalate into more serious offences or community tension.
Both Hate Crimes and Hate Incidents are motivated by prejudice towards someone’s actual or perceived:
- Race - including ethnicity, nationality, national origin, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities
- Religion or belief - including no faith
- Sexual orientation - including gay, lesbian and bisexual
- Gender identity - including transgender, non‑binary and gender‑fluid identities
- Disability - including physical, sensory, learning or mental health disabilities
Read the Council’s Hate Crime policy
What can Hate Crime look like?
Hate Crime can take many forms, including:
- Threats or physical assault
- Verbal abuse
- Harassment or intimidation, including online
- Inciting others to commit Hate Crime
- Damage to property, including arson
- Offensive leaflets, posters or graffiti
Why you should report Hate Crime
Hate Crime is always unacceptable. By reporting it, you can access support, and you also help prevent further incidents in your community.
Anyone can report Hate Crime whether you are the victim, a witness, or reporting on someone else’s behalf. You can choose how you report it, including anonymously.
Reporting helps the police understand what is happening locally and develop an appropriate response. It makes a real difference to you, your community, and others who may be affected.
How to report Hate Crime
You can report in several ways:
Essex Police
999 – in an emergency
101 – for non‑urgent concerns
Visit your local police station
Report online
Castle Point Community Safety Team
T: 01268 882 200
E: csp@castlepoint.gov.uk
Stop Hate UK – 24/7 confidential reporting
T: 0800 138 1625 (under 18s: 0808 801 0576)
Report online
True Vision
Hate Incident Reporting Centres (HIRCs)
Local community venues offering support
Search “Hate Crime” at www.essex.police.uk
Crimestoppers
T: 0800 555 111
Report anonymously online
For free confidential advice:
Essex Victim Support
T: 0808 178 1694 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm)
T: National Support line (24/7): 0808 168 9111
Online