Do you feel like you’re a victim because of who you are?
Living in a varied society, surrounded by so many people from different walks of life, can often leave us feeling alone and vulnerable. We can sometimes be made to feel different too, simply because of the way we look, the beliefs we have, or the way we live our lives. Sometimes this can lead to being a victim of abuse, whether verbal or physical. Other times we’re just not sure….
If you do feel you're being targeted because of these reasons, you might find you're a victim of Hate Crime, something the Police and it's partners across the county take very seriously, and something which should be tackled and removed entirely from our communities. |  |
Hate Crime is any criminal offence or incident that is perceived by the victim or any other person, whether a witness, friend or family member, as being motivated by prejudice or hate.
Reasons for the crime can be based on a person's:
- Race, colour, ethnic origin or nationality
- Religion or faith
- Sexual orientation
- Disability or Learning Disability
- Gender Identity Transgender Issues
The actual crime or incident can come in many different forms and to varying degrees of seriousness. Below are just some examples that have been reported to Northamptonshire Police or our partner agencies in the past. Reports can be made by victims, witnesses, or a friend or family member (third party) –
- Verbal insults or abusive gestures
- Threat of attack or bullying
- Offensive letters or e-mails
- Abusive or threatening phone calls, texts, e-mails or letters
- Malicious complaints
- Physical attacks
- Physical assaults, which can include a minor push, as well as more serious assaults
- Damage to a victim's house, shed, car or any other property they own
- Offensive graffiti
- Neighbour disputes
- Rubbish thrown in to a garden or dumped near to a home
- Eggs or stones thrown at a house
- Offensive or dangerous substances posted through letterboxes
- Arson
By reporting a Hate Crime or Incident, no matter how minor you think it may be, gives us a chance to protect you and others.
If you wish to report a Hate Crime we always advise that you contact Northamptonshire Police straight away on either 999 in emergencies, or on 101.
If you prefer to speak to someone other than the police you can contact specially trained volunteers at Victim Support on 0845 30 30 900 or at www.victimsupport.org.uk who can:
- Help you to cope with the emotional effects of being a victim
- Support you and other members of your family and friends if necessary
- Help you get in touch with other organisations that can help
- Help you to deal with other agencies, such as the police or housing associations
Wherever you turn, and whichever agency you choose, we can assure you will be treated with the utmost respect, and your experience will be taken with the utmost seriousness it deserves. | See also:
What is Hate Crime? 
Why report it...
Types of Hate Crime
How to report an incident
Agencies that can help
Keep Safe Card
 Mencap Police Promise
Reporting Online
 Report Hate Crime
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