The following are a few tips if you witness or experience hate crime.

If you are a victim:

• try and attract someone's attention by making as much noise as you can
• as soon as you can, go somewhere you know is safe  
• try and get help immediately  
• if you consider the situation to be an emergency dial 999 or 112  
• if you feel confident, tell the police why you think you were attacked  
• if you have been attacked the police will need evidence, therefore, don't shower or change your clothes.
• if you have had your keys taken, change the locks on your doors
• don't drink alcohol, you need to give a clear account of what happened  
• use the reporting systems to report the incident if you don't have the confidence to tell the police  
• alternatively, you can use a third party reporting centre     

If you are a witness: 

• in an emergency dial 999 or 112  
• stay alert and keep yourself safe  
• don't try to physically intervene, you could get hurt  
• as soon as you can, write down everything that you can remember about the incident  
• report the incident either to a local support agency or the police directly    

Hate crime hurts. It can be confusing and frightening. By reporting it to the police you may be able to prevent these crimes happening to someone else. If you are a victim of a racial attack or abuse, or witness an incident, report it immediately to the police. If an offence is committed and the offender is caught, provided there is sufficient evidence, the police can prosecute. 

Alternatively, you may take action in the civil courts or try to obtain damages or an order to stop the offender repeating the behaviour. 

If a family member, friend or neighbour has been the victim of a racial incident, you can help by offering your support. Incidents of racial harassment harm community relations for all. Consider joining or setting up a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme or Residents’ Association. 

For information on Racial Harassment, see the menu on the left.