The Official Definition of a hate crime is: "Any hate incident, which constitutes a criminal offence, perceived by the victim or any other person, as being motivated by prejudice or hate."

Hate crime is a criminal act committed against any person or group who are seen to be different or vulnerable. It is often motivated by the individual or group offender's prejudice which can be based on:

• Race
• Religion
• Disability
• Sexual orientation or
• Transgender (Gender Identity)
• Alternative Sub-culture.

Hate Crime does not always result in physical violence, it can take many forms and be manifest through verbal or psychological abuse.

It can be such things as:

• being called names on the street
• insulting graffiti of property
• threatening letters or
• offensive material and phone harassment

These can all have a huge impact on you as a victim and therefore are classed as a hate crime.

If you suffer Hate Crime or witness it being perpetrated, it is essential that it is reported. This allows the correct authorities to deal with it and can help provide information that will improve support for victims and prevent further instances of Hate Crime occurring.

Reporting Hate Crime:

Telephone or where appropriate, call in at one of our 3rd Party Hate Crime Reporting Centres

Report at your local police station or call their non-emergency reporting number 101

Ring Crimestoppers anonymously to report any type of crime on 0800 111 555

Using an Online form on the GMP website

Using an Online form on the "Report-it" web site

Stop Learning Disability Hate Crime helpline on 0808 802 1155

In an emergency situation dial 999

Support for victims of hate crime:

All victims of hate crime receive support when a hate crime report is made and we encourage everyone to report a hate crime before receiving this support. Nevertheless, we recognise that in some instances people may wish to not report a hate crime but may still want support. In cases like this, we encourage you to visit the web page http://www.gmvictims.org.uk/ which provides a handy directory of services which you may be interested in accessing- some of which are listed below.

Victim support

Support people affected by crime and can signpost you onto further agencies that may also be able to help you. They will help anyone whether they are self-referred to the agency or otherwise.

Telephone: 0161 200 1950

Email: greater.manchester@victimsupport.org.uk

Web Link: Victim Support

The Samaritans

Provide general support for people effected by crimes and the emotional effect these can have on individuals. Services that are offered include counselling, emotional support and conversations around people mental wellbeing. Self-referrals are accepted.

Telephone: 0161 764 0055

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Web Link: Samaritans

Healthy minds

Healthy Minds provides counselling and emotional support, encouraging mental wellbeing. Self-referrals can be made as well as referrals by third parties .

Telephone: 0161 716 2777

Web Link: Healthy Minds

Escaping Victimhood

Provide general support for any crime and can offer counselling, emotional support and offer support to those that are suffering ill health or mental health concerns. Self-referrals accepted.

Telephone: 07715209415

Email: info@escapingvictimhood.com

Web Link: Escaping Victimhood

TellMAMA

(Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks)

Tackling hate crimes and Islamophobia need strong leadership. Are you ready for the challenge? If yes, come and join the TellMAMA Greater Manchester Youth Leadership Programme.

TellMAMA are looking for 50 people who are:

Aged 18 - 25 from diverse backgrounds, faiths and non-faith

Interested in tackling hate crimes and Islamophobia

Willing to become members of the Greater Manchester TellMAMA Board

Can spare one day each month for the next 5 months

For further information email info@tellmamauk.org or call 0800 456 1226.