Hate incidents and hate crime happen because of prejudice or hostility based on a person's disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity.
If you've experienced an act of violence or hostility because of who you are or who someone thinks you are, or if you have witnessed an incident like this – report it. This is important as information about hate incidents and crimes can be used to improve safety and security for everyone.
A hate incident is any incident that the victim or any other person perceives to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person, based on their
In some cases this is a crime, for example, where it includes
Call 999 if you're reporting a crime that's in progress or if someone's in immediate danger.
If the crime isn't an emergency, call 101 or contact your local police station.
You can also report hate crime online.
You can report hate crime without contacting the police through a third party reporting centre. Trained staff there can help you submit a report to the police (if that's what you want), or they can do it on your behalf.
The Central Scotland Regional Equality Council (CSREC) web page about Hate Crime includes a link to a list of Third Party Reporting Centres in Central Scotland.
You can also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to report the crime anonymously. They'll pass the information about the crime to the police.
Whether you decide to report a hate crime or not – or you haven't decided yet – you can still get information, and emotional and practical help and support from Victim Support Scotland.
As a victim of crime, you have rights. The Victims' Code for Scotland sets out these rights and who to contact for help and advice.
Strategy & Performance
Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB
Tel: 01259 450000
Email: customerservice@clacks.gov.uk