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What is racial hate crime?

Race crime doesn't just mean when someone becomes a victim because of the colour of their skin. It also includes nationality, culture and language.

Any racial hate crime that is reported to the police is treated seriously, even if it could be classed as a minor incident, because of the fear that racist crime can create within communities.

Types of racist crime

Any crime committed against someone because of their race is classed as a 'racially aggravated' or 'racially motivated' offence. For example, someone may be threatened with violence or assaulted because of their race.

You don't have to be physically attacked or injured to be a victim of a race hate crime. You may be subjected to abuse that you find offensive; it's also illegal for anyone to use threatening and abusive language or hand out flyers or leaflets that could lead other people to commit a criminal act against someone because of their race.

If it's proven that the offender's main motivation was based on prejudice or their hatred of another race, then the sentence can be more severe than for the same offence without a racial motivation.

Reporting a racist crime

If you've been the victim of a crime and you think that you were targeted because of your race, you should make it clear to the police officer when you're giving your statement.

You should also make sure that the incident is reported to your local community safety unit. Every police force in the country has one of these units and it's their job to monitor and record the number of hate crimes that are committed in your area. They work within the community to combat the problem.

Race equality law at work

There are also a number of discrimination laws that makes it illegal to treat someone differently at work on the basis of their race. The vast majority of employers have an equal opportunities policy that workers have to sign before they start work.

Discrimination law is a complicated area. If you think you may be being treated unfairly by your employer or people that you work with, your local Commission for Racial Equality office will be able to help you and give you advice about what to do.

• Advice on discrimination from the Equality and Human Rights Commission Opens new window

Help and support for victims of racial hate crime

If you're a victim of racial hate crime, there are many organisations that can give you help and support.

• Help and support if you're a victim of hate crime Opens new window

Useful contacts

• Bullying online

• Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS)

• Citizens Advice Bureau

• NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)

• Young people contacts