If you experience or witness a hate crime – where someone commits a crime against you or your property because of bias or hate toward your race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity – you should report it to the police.

You can report a hate crime by:

  • Calling 101 to report to Merseyside Police
  • Calling 999 if it's an emergency or the incident is ongoing
  • Contacting Stop Hate UK on 0800 138 1625 or via www.stophateuk.org

When reporting your hate crime, make sure you include all the key details: exactly what happened, the time and location of the incident, any witnesses who were present, and details of any injuries you or others sustained.

The infographic below shows exactly what happens after you report a hate crime:

Once you've reported, you'll be given a crime reference number and an appointment will be made for you to speak to someone about what you're reporting. An Officer in Case (OiC) will be assigned to investigate and will keep you updated throughout. With your permission, you'll be referred to specialist support services. Even if no suspect is identified, you will still receive dedicated support from a specialist support service throughout your journey.

Additional support services: