West Sussex County Council: Hate Incidents

Reporting a racist, homophobic, transphobic or disablist incident

If you – or someone you know – experiences discrimination or harassment which you believe is based on your race, nationality, faith, sexuality, disability or gender identity, you can report it.

Collectively, these sorts of incidents are known as ‘hate incidents’, or, where an offence has been committed, ‘hate crime’. We want to know where and when they are happening in West Sussex.

Hate hurts. Don't support it - Report it!

Reporting hate incidents is very important. It shows us where the problem areas are and helps us to improve services to deal with hate incidents. Please report all hate incidents, even those that may not seem serious, to help us in our work. Examples of incidents include:

• name calling
• threats of violence
• graffiti
• damage to property
• offensive literature
• assault

How can I report an incident?

From 1st November 2008, incidents should be reported to Victim Support Sussex who are in partnership with West Sussex County Council to provide the Hate Incident Support Service. To make a report, you can:

• Use the new on-line reporting form; or
• Telephone the Hate Incident Reporting Line on 0845 0751 021 (calls charged at local rate); or
• E-mail: SussexHateIncidentReport@victimsupport.org.uk

If an incident is particularly serious and there is a risk to anybody involved you should report the incident to the police by dialling 999.

You can report an incident whether you are a victim, witness, or third party who has become aware of an incident. There are no restrictions on age. You do not have to identify yourself, but if you want to be contacted, it is essential that you leave an address and/or a contact number. You can report an incident even if you do not have all of the information requested on the form, as any information that you can provide may be valuable.

What will happen next?

If you report an incident we record it only for statistical reasons. If you want help to take further action, Victim Support Sussex will contact you to find out more.

We will not give personal details about you to anyone, including the police or other organisations, without asking you first. Where legal action is taken as a result of the incident you may be asked to give evidence.

Further Information:
Contact: West Sussex Harm Reduction Team
Telephone: 01243 382964
Email: harm.reduction@westsussex.gov.uk

• Guidance on How to Report A Hate Incident
• Reporting A Hate Incident/Crime