We believe that Hate Crime or Hate incidents are never okay and have no place within the Staffordshire University community. Staffordshire University is committed to promoting a safe and supportive environment for each and every member of our community.
A hate crime is defined as 'Any criminal offence which is perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's race, religion, sexual orientation, disability (whether actual or percieved) and any crime motivated by hostility or prejudice against a person who is transgender or perceived to be transgender
A hate incident is any incident that is based on someone’s prejudice towards them because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or because they are transgender. Not all hate incidents will amount to criminal offences.
A hate incident is any incident that is based on someone’s prejudice towards them because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or because they are transgender. Not all hate incidents will amount to criminal offences.
Evidence of the hate element is not a requirement. You do not need to personally perceive the incident to be hate related. It would be enough if another person, a witness or even a police officer thought that the incident was hate related.
Types of hate crime
Hate crime can fall into one of three main types: physical assault, verbal abuse and incitement to hatred.
Hate crime can fall into one of three main types: physical assault, verbal abuse and incitement to hatred.
Physical assault
Physical assault of any kind is an offence. If you’ve been a victim of physical assault you should report it.
Verbal abuse
Verbal abuse, threats or name-calling can be a common and extremely unpleasant experience.
Physical assault of any kind is an offence. If you’ve been a victim of physical assault you should report it.
Verbal abuse
Verbal abuse, threats or name-calling can be a common and extremely unpleasant experience.
Incitement to hatred
Incitement to hatred occurs when someone acts in a way that is threatening and intended to stir up hatred. That could be in words, pictures, videos, music, and includes information posted on websites.
Incitement to hatred occurs when someone acts in a way that is threatening and intended to stir up hatred. That could be in words, pictures, videos, music, and includes information posted on websites.
Hate content may include:
- messages calling for violence against a specific person or group
- web pages that show pictures, videos or descriptions of violence against anyone due to their perceived differences
- chat forums where people ask other people to commit hate crimes against a specific person or group
(source: Staffordshire Police, 2021)