If you think you or someone you know has experienced a hate incident there are a variety of reporting and support options available.
Reporting hate incidents
If you have experienced a hate crime you may be feeling scared, angry, in shock, or hurt. It is not your fault and nobody should have to put up with being abused. Speaking up can be difficult, but reporting makes a difference and can prevent it from happening again.
Anybody can report a hate crime —whether they are the victim, a witness, or someone who has heard about an incident crime.
Think
- Is it an emergency? If anyone is in immediate danger or seriously injured, contact the emergency services on 999 for ambulance or police.
- If you are in LSBU Halls of Residence and want help, you can contact any member of Halls Staff or call Security’s emergency number on 020 7815 6666. You can also use the SafeZone app to contact security on campus Download the app.
- Try to write down as many details of the incident as you can remember, such as the date and time and descriptions of anyone who was involved. If there is anyone around who saw what happened ask them if they would give their details, name, address, phone number, etc., and if possible get them to write a statement of what they saw.*
- Find a safe space. If an incident has just happened, try and find somewhere you feel safe.
Get Support
At LSBU – LSBU will support any student who experiences a hate incident, whether they have witnessed such incidents or been a victim of them. Students and staff can tell LSBU about any hate incident of on this Report and Support website. By using the reporting system you are letting us know that something has happened to you, and you want to access advice and guidance on what to do next- you will then be contacted by an advisor. If you choose to talk to a specialist advisor, they will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence. This can include support formally reporting internally or externally, and access to mental health and wellbeing support, including counselling if you want it.
Externally: Stop Hate UK has a 24/7 helpline and reporting tool that enables people to access confidential, independent support and information.
- Victim Support has advice and guidance via their website, or their helpline: 08 08 16 89 111.
- Citizens Advice article provides information and support: Get help if you’ve experienced a hate crime or hate incident - Citizens Advice.
Reporting to LSBU
You can make a formal complaint to the University about a student or member of staff if you want it to be investigated. LSBU’s response to hate incidents will be managed through existing procedures including:
- Student Complaints Procedure
- Student Disciplinary Procedure
- Speak Up Policy
- Student Halls of Residence Complaints Procedure
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy
- Staff Grievance Procedure
If a police investigation or criminal proceedings are taking place LSBU will not normally carry out its investigation until the criminal process is complete. This is because there is a high risk that an LSBU investigation could compromise any police investigation or criminal proceedings.
Reporting to the police
You can report a hate crime to the police by calling 101, using this website, or by visiting a police station.
Reporting anonymously
If you want to report an incident but do not want to report it to the police, Crimestoppers has an anonymous reporting tool. You do not have to give your name and what you say is confidential. It is free to call 0800 555111 or via their website for more information https://crimestoppers-uk.org/keeping-safe/personal-safety/hate-crime.
You are not alone
The choices you have in terms of expert support and advice can vary. Some other organisations which can provide advice and support are linked below.
- Equality Advisory & Support (EASS): Advises and assists individuals on issues relating to equality and human rights across England, Scotland and Wales. Call: 0808 800 0082
- Galop: Support all LGBT+ people who have experienced hate crime, domestic abuse, or sexual violence. Has a national helpline: 0800 999 5428
- On Your Side: is for anyone in the UK who identifies as East and Southeast Asian, including people with mixed heritage. It is also for anyone who is perceived by others to be East and Southeast Asian and witnesses hate towards East and Southeast Asians from any background. This is the place to find support and make a report if you experience or witness racism or any other form of hate. Call the 24/7 Helpline on 0808 801 0393.
- SAMM (Support After Murder and Manslaughter): Emotional support for families and friends bereaved through murder or manslaughter. Call: 0121 472 2912. Text: 07342 888570. Email: info@samm.org.uk.
- Stop Hate Line: offers immediate advice and support and has a dedicated 24-hour anti-hate Crime reporting service. Call: 0800 138 1625.
- Victim Support has advice and operates a 24/7 Supportline and live chat service, every day of the year, offering specialist emotional and practical support to anyone who has been a victim or a witness. Call: 08 08 16 89 111.
*https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/hate-crime/
For more information: