Hate Crime
Have you been intimidated,
harassed, victimised or abused because of who you are or what you
believe in?
If so, then you are a victim of Hate Crime.
A hate crime is any criminal offence that is motivated by hostility
or prejudice based upon a victim’s disability, ethnicity, race,
religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender identity.
Hate Crime victims may
experience:
• Physical assault
• People swearing or making abusive remarks
• Spitting or insulting gestures
• People doing things that frighten, intimidate or cause
distress
• Bullying at school, college or place of work
• Arson
• Having property stolen or damaged
• Disputes with neighbours
Report it!
Hertfordshire Constabulary is keen to encourage victims and
witnesses of hate crime to report incidents to police without fear
and to reassure them that they will be taken seriously and treated
with sensitivity. In fact if it can be proven that a crime
committed against a person has been motivated by hate, offenders
can face a lengthier sentence if the case goes to court. In
addition to this, once a hate crime is reported and investigated,
the Force works very closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to
assist in the presentation of evidence throughout any court
proceedings.
Incidents of hate crime can be reported via the
non-emergency number 
101. In an emergency, where there is
an immediate threat to life or property always dial 999.
Online reporting
Alternatively hate crime can also
be reported online through the True Vision website which all police
forces and England, Northern Ireland and Wales are signed up
to. The online report will then be forwarded to the relevant
local police force.
True Vision provides information
for victims and the public about what hate crime is, why it is
important to report it when it happens and sets out the range of
ways hate crimes can be reported, including via a new online
reporting form. The site also provides links to organisations
that can offer support and advice on hate crime related issues.
Access the True Vision website at
www.report-it.org.uk
Hertfordshire Constabulary
understands that victims and witnesses may not always feel
comfortable with talking directly to the police. Online reporting
allows people to report a hate crime via a system which will then
be dealt with by dedicated hate crime officers.
Hate Crime officers
Hertfordshire Constabulary has specially-trained hate crime
officers based in the Force’s Harm Reduction Units in Stevenage and
Watford, which together cover the whole county.
These dedicated officers offer
victims help, support and advice. They can meet victims in a place
they feel comfortable and safe, and will explain options available
to them. They can also be there for a victim if a statement needs
to taken and if the case goes to court. Victims can be confident
that they will be treated with respect and in confidence.
The
Constabulary’s hate crime officers can be contacted via the force
non-emergency number 101 or on the following contact details:
Watford -
01923 472085
Stevenage - 01438
757330 / 757331
Support for victims and
witnesses
Through the Witness Intermediary
Scheme, Hertfordshire Constabulary can also provide support to
victims and witnesses who may have learning difficulties, mental
health problems, a physical disability or are under the age of
17.
A specially trained professional
will be called on to help a witness or victim understand questions
being put to them and to have their answers
understood. This person will then be present at
each stage of the criminal justice process, from a police interview
through to a trial. They help make the process accessible to some
of the most vulnerable people in society and may be the difference
between a witness being able to testify or not.