A hate incident is when you experience an act of hostility which you believe is motivated by your disability, race, religion, transgender identity or sexual orientation. (also known as protected characteristics). Verbal abuse, threats of violence, harassment, bullying, intimidation or online abuse are just some of the many forms of hate related incidents.
A hate incident becomes a hate crime when a criminal offence has been committed because of hostility or prejudice based on your disability, race, religion, transgender identity or sexual orientation. A criminal offence is an act that breaks the law and can include offences such as assault, harassment, theft, criminal damage, hate mail and fraud.
To find out more information on hate crime and ways of reporting click here.