Race and Religion 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”?

Yes? That’s 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.

Personal Safety

Here are some things you should try and do if you find yourself in a bullying situation:

• if you can, walk away
• go anywhere safe
• keep saying the same thing “go away”
• stay alert
• try to be with people you trust – not alone
• be confident (even if you don’t feel it)
• report it immediately

What can i do about it ?

• talk through your problems will make a difference and help you to think through how to sort them out
• tell someone what’s happening…. Teacher, friends, parents
• fill out a self reporting form (see Downloadable Documents)
• report what’s happening online
  • Report a Crime

Tell Someone

If you are, or know someone who is being bullied because of his or her race, religion, sexual orientation or gender, don’t be afraid to tell someone. Don’t suffer in silence, if you can’t get anyone to listen to you, contact one of the groups listed on the website who will offer you advice and support.

Reporting to the Police

• Don’t be afraid to report racist abuse to the police
• We call this type of crime “hate crime”
• The police deal with hate crime regularly and can offer you help and support
• What you tell the police will be dealt with sensitively and professionally
• You will be taken seriously, if you don’t want to report it to the police, contact a support agency.  

Policies

Schools and colleges should have policies/procedures in place that protect you from discrimination and bullying. Don’t suffer in silence, if you can’t get your school or college to listen to you, contact the race equality council or local youth group that can offer you advice and support.

You don’t have to be from a minority group to suffer racial or religious abuse.

Useful Numbers

• Police Emergency - 999
• Police Non Emergency - 08452 777 444
• Torbay Diversity Team - 07977 135834 / 07736 731956
• Safer Communities Torbay - 01803 841274
• Childline - 0800 111
• Victim Support - 0845 30 30 900
• 24hr NSPCC Helpline - 0800 800 500
• Racial Equality Council: Devon – 01392 422 566
• Crimestopper - 0800 555 111

• 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)