A hate crime is any behaviour perceived to be motivated by hostility, prejudice, or hatred based on specific characteristics. These include:

·         Disability (physical impairments, mental health issues, learning disabilities, sensory impairments)

·         Gender identity (including transgender, transsexual, or transvestite individuals)

·         Race, skin colour, nationality, ethnicity, or heritage

·         Religion, faith, or belief (including those without religious beliefs)

·         Sexual orientation (lesbian, gay, bisexual, heterosexual)

·         Lifestyle and dress (alternative sub-cultures or lifestyles

Hate crimes can manifest in various forms:

Verbal Abuse: This includes name-calling and the use of derogatory language targeting individuals or groups based on the protected characteristics mentioned above.

Written Harassment: Graffiti or abusive writing that targets specific individuals or groups can be considered a hate crime.

Property Damage: Deliberate vandalism or destruction of property motivated by prejudice falls under this category.

Intimidation: Actions that create fear or a threatening environment for individuals or groups due to their protected characteristics.

Persistent Offensive Behaviour: Bullying or harassment based on the characteristics discussed above constitutes a hate crime.

Physical Attacks: These range from physical violence to sexual assault, arson, and in extreme cases, murder.

Reporting hate crimes is crucial for several reasons:

1. Support for Victims: By reporting, victims can access necessary support services to help them cope with the impact of the crime.
2. Accountability: Reporting ensures that offenders are held responsible for their actions, which can help prevent future incidents.

Community Awareness: When hate crimes are reported, it allows authorities and organisations like the police and local council to identify patterns within the community, leading to more effective preventive measures and responses.

If you experience or witness a hate crime, take the following steps:

Emergency Situations: If you're in immediate danger, call 999 without delay.

Non-Emergency Reporting: For incidents that don't require immediate police presence, report online to Lancashire Police. Alternatively, you can report anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Inform the Council: After reporting to the police, contact Lancaster City Council's Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Neighbourhoods team. Provide them with details of the incident and any police involvement.

Document Ongoing Issues: If you're experiencing ongoing hate-related incidents, keep a record using Incident Report Sheets. Note down dates, times, and details of each occurrence. Submit these sheets to the relevant authorities to help build a case.

We aim to sustain an environment where all residents feel safe and respected. Remember, your safety is paramount. If you're unsure about whether an incident qualifies as a hate crime, err on the side of caution and report it.