Race or Religious Hate Crime

What is racist or religious bullying?

Are you or someone you know:

• Being called racist names?
• Being pushed, hassled or threatened?
• Being beaten up, spat at or kicked?
• Having your things taken or damaged?
• Being told “go home”?

If yes that behaviour is classed as racist or religious bullying.

Racism is any abuse to a person’s religion, skin colour, language, culture or dress

Bullying is any action against any person or group, who may be seen as different.

What is a hate crime?

If you think you’ve been the victim of a hate crime or incident, you probably have. A ‘hate crime’ is defined as any offence which is committed against a person or property, which is motivated by the offender’s hatred of people, because they are seen as being ‘different’.

Don’t suffer in silience

If you are, or know someone who is being bullied because of his or her race or religion, please tell someone.

Reporting to the Police

• Please report racial or religious abuse to the police.
• The police are trained to deal with hate crime and can offer you help and support.
• What you tell the police will be dealt with sensitively and professionally.

You can report a hate crime by completing a self reporting form which can be viewed under the heading Downloadable Documents.

You can also report hate crime using Devon and Cornwall Police's online reporting form.

Support and Helplines

• Devon and Cornwall Police Non Emergency – telephone 08452 777 444
• Torbay Diversity Team – telephone 07977 135834 / 07736 731956
• Childline – telephone 0800 111
• Victim Support - telephone 0845 30 30 900
• 24hr NSPCC Helpline – telephone 0800 800 500
• Racial Equality Council – telephone 01392 422 566
• Crimestopper - telephone 0800 555 111
• True Vision 

• Race Poster
  Poster on racial hate crime.
  Last updated: 26/05/2010 (122 KB)
• Reporting Form
  Printable form to report racial and religious hate crime to the Police.
  Last updated: 26/05/2010 (66 KB)