Hate-motivated behaviour has no place in our communities. Everyone has the right to feel safe and we all have a responsibility to stand against hatred and discrimination.
Southway is an approved Hate Crime Reporting Centre, which means you can speak to us instead of the police. Our staff 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.
What is a 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:
- Threats of violence
- Verbal or physical abuse
- Racial abuse
- Bullying behaviour
- Ridiculing cultural differences
- Offensive graffiti and fly posting
What is a hate incident?
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
- Intentionally spitting at someone
- Inciting hatred with leaflets, publications
- Ridiculing cultural differences e.g. food, dress, language
Third-Party Reporting Centres
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.
Use this form to report a hate crime to us.
Support any time of the day
24-hour Support
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. Contact them by calling 0800 138 1625.
The service is available to everyone living in Southway’s communities. More information on the services they provide can be found on their website.
Report a hate crime directly to the police
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.