What is a Hate Crime?

A hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice based on:

1. A person’s race or perceived race, or any racial group or ethnic background including countries within the UK and Gypsy and Traveller groups

2. A person’s religion or perceived religion, or any religious group including those who have no faith

3. A person’s sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, or any person’s sexual orientation

4. A person’s disability or perceived disability, or any disability including physical disability, learning disability and mental health or developmental disorders

5. A person who is transgender or perceived to be transgender, including people who are transsexual, transgender, cross dressers and those who hold a Gender Recognition Certificate under the Gender Recognition Act 2004.

Hate crimes / hate incidents can take place anywhere – at home, in the streets, at work, online or at school.

No-one should have to live with the fear, anxiety and consequences of hate.

Reporting it when it happens will help the Police to deal with it and may prevent these incidents from happening to someone else. You will also help the police understand the extent of hate crime in your local area so they can better respond to it.

More information, advice and how to report a Hate Crime/Incident is available at: Hate Crime / Hate Incidents | West Yorkshire Police