HATE crime has often featured in the news recently as police step up efforts to deal with the issue.

Many people think they can only report these incidents to officers if they involve violence but hate crime laws encompass a large range of acts.

First of all, a hate incident is anything which is motivated by prejudice or hatred based on:

  • Race, colour or ethnic origin.
  • Nationality or national origin.
  • Religion, faith or belief.
  • Gender or gender identity.
  • Sexuality or sexual orientation
  • Disability
  • Lifestyle or dress

Crimes can include verbal and physical abuse as well as bullying or the threat of violence.

Not all hate incidents will amount to criminal offences, but police say it is equally important that these are reported and recorded by officers.

Evidence of the hate element is not a requirement in reporting these incidents. It would be enough if another person, a witness or even a police officer thought that the incident was hate related.

In addition to the police, Bolton has a number of third-party organisations which act as reporting centres for hate crime incidents.

These include Victim Support Bolton, in Chorley Old Road; Bolton Citizens Advice Bureau, in Mawdsley Street; and a number of UCAN centres.