It's best to report a hate crime if it happens to you, because it might stop incidents from happening to others. It can also help the police understand the extent of hate crime in the area, so that they can better respond to it. You can report a hate crime anonymously and don't have to talk to the Police, but if you do, we can help you.
The agreed definition of a hate incident is: 'any incident that is perceived by the victim, or any other person, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice based on race or ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, sexual identity or gender identity.' A hate crime is when this takes the form of a criminal offence.
If you think you've been a victim of a hate crime, you can't be wrong, because it's the victim's perception of the incident that matters. You do not have to be the person that the comment or action was directed towards to report a hate crime.
LUU and the University of Leeds both have a zero tolerance policy towards hate crimes and hate incidents. Any student making a report will always be believed and supported.
Contacting the Police on 999 if it is an emergency, for example if someone is at immediate risk or injured.
You can report a hate crime via the University's online reporting system. The Hate Crime Support Team at LUU can guide you through this process and link you up to support services.
You can come and talk to LUU Advice about the incident without having to do anything you feel uncomfortable with, such as talk to the police. You can also report in person at the University of Leeds International Student Office.
Stop Hate UK is an online reporting process using this form, or you can call 24 hours a day on (0800) 1381 625.
In LUU there is a Victim Support drop in session where students can go for confidential help, support and information. Contact LUU Advice for further info. You don't need to have reported the crime to the police.
As a University of Leeds student you also have free access to the Big White Wall, which provides health and wellbeing support.
I have witnessed a hate crime, what do I do?
I've been sexually assaulted, what help is there?
What if I'm not ready to come out?
I've been a victim of crime, what can I do?
What is online bullying and where can I get support?