I think someone I know has experienced a hate crime

If you think someone you know has experienced a hate crime there are lots of ways in which you can help them.

Understanding the behaviours associated with hate crimes is a good place to start. Most people will usually describe what has or is happening to them and how it's making them feel. 

Hate incidents and hate crime are acts of violence or hostility against a person or property that is motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person due to a particular characteristic. This could be a disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, transgender identity or an alternative sub-culture hate crime. A victim does not have to be a member of the group at which the hostility is targeted. In fact, anyone could be a victim of a hate crime.

Listen.  Just taking the time to listen to someone and talk about what has happened can help. These six active listening tips might help you support them. 

(Published on Oct 4, 2015 Based on the Samaritans guidelines for active listening). 
 
Give options.  When they have finished talking ask them if they are ok to talk through some possible options and next steps. Remember, it is important that they decide what they want to do. 
            
Remember: 
 
They might not want to report the incident to the police or the University.  There are a lot of reasons why someone may choose not to report hate crime. 
            
They may be concerned who else might be informed. 
 
They may have fear of or confusion about the criminal justice system or what happens if you report it to the University. 
 
It is up to them to decide what they want to disclose and to whom.  Your support can help them talk through their concerns. 
 
Let them know that you support their decisions. 
 


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There are two ways you can tell us what happened