Southway is an approved Hate Crime Reporting Centre, which means you can speak to us instead of the police. Our colleagues have been trained to help support victims, submit police reports, help prevent escalation, and better understand hate crime incidents and behaviour in our communities.
We work in partnership with Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police and other agencies to address hate crime.
A hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a personal characteristic, or perceived characteristic.
The characteristics are:
- Disability
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation
- Trans and gender reassignment
- Alternative sub-culture
Examples of hate crimes can include:
- Violence or threats of violence
- Intentionally spitting at someone
- Verbal Abuse - being called a racist/homophobic/religious (slur/name)
- Harassment
- Inciting hatred with leaflets, publications
- Offensive graffiti and fly posting
- Criminal damage and online abuse aka malicious communications
A hate incident is a hate behaviour, which may not be a criminal offence but involves an act by a person which is perceived by a victim or any other person to be motivated — wholly or partly — by hostility or prejudice based on a personal characteristic.
Examples of hate incidents can include:
- Offensive jokes and comments
- Ridiculing cultural differences e.g. food, dress, language
- Low level neighbour nuisance, bullying or malicious complaints
- Refused entry to a public space
There can be a thin line between hate incidents and hate crimes. So, if you are unsure, report it.
Not all victims are comfortable with reporting their experiences directly to the police. Some victims may find visiting police stations intimidating or daunting, some may not be aware of alternative ways of reporting, or they fear being outed in terms of their sexuality or disability.
Third-Party Reporting Centres (TPRCs) overcome these barriers by providing an alternative way to report a hate crime. They give confidential advice, help you report it, and support you along the way. You can stay anonymous if you wish, and you don’t need to have contact with the police if you don’t want to.
Third-party reporting centres you can use:
Southway Housing Trust
Southern Gate, 729 Princess Road, Manchester, M20 2LT
View opening times.
Call 0161 448 4200
Barlow Moor Community Centre
23 Merseybank Avenue, Manchester M21 7NT
View opening times.
Call 0161 446 4805
Westcroft Community Centre
26 Westcroft Rd, Manchester M20 6EF
View opening times.
Call 0161 448 8232
Old Moat Sure Start Children's Centre
Old Moat Lane, Withington, Manchester M20 1DE
More centre details.
Call 0161 234 4711
Dahlia House
Burnage Lane, Manchester M19 1FL
Open Monday to Friday, 9am–12.30am.
Call 0161 448 4200
We also work in partnership with Stop Hate UK, a national organisation that supports people affected by all forms of hate crime and discrimination.
They have a 24-hour telephone line where victims and witnesses of hate crimes and incidents can contact them in confidence.
You can also report a non-emergency hate crime directly to the police online at www.report-it.org.uk
You shouldn't use this online form when:
- The offender is still present
- You or anyone else is seriously hurt or in danger
- You think the offender may return
In these circumstances, please call 999 for the police to respond.
