At Southampton Solent University we believe that bullying, harassment and hate crimes or hate incidents are never acceptable.
If you have experienced a hate incident or been the victim of a hate crime you can let us know using the You Report, We Support form.
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 person’s actual or perceived race, religion/faith, sexual orientation, disability and gender identity”.
Hate crimes can include physical abuse or violence, verbal abuse or threats, offensive calls or texts, written or printed abuse (including offensive mail or email), indirect attacks, harassment, exclusion or isolation, damage to property and online abuse.
What is a hate incident?
In England and Wales, the police also monitor hate incidents. A hate incident is recorded when someone is discriminated against because of any of the above listed characteristics, but a criminal offence has not been committed.
It doesn’t matter that a crime has not been committed, the behaviour is unacceptable, and the police still record and investigate hate incidents. In many cases hate incidents can turn into hate crime. For example, bullying can become the criminal offence of harassment.
Further information regarding both hate crimes and hate incidents can be found here.
What support is available if I have been a victim of hate crime or experienced a hate incident?
It’s your choice whether to report a hate crime or hate incident. In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, you should dial 999. Otherwise, you can call 101 or report online.
Report a hate crime to Hampshire and IOW Constabulary.
Victim Support is the independent charity for people affected by crime and traumatic events in England and Wales. Their support is free and confidential.
Stop Hate UK is a national organisation working to challenge all forms of hate crime and discrimination.
Galop supports LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence.
Tell MAMA supports victims of anti-Muslim hate and is a public service which also measures and monitors anti-Muslim incidents.
CST helps those who are victims of anti-Semitic hatred, harassment or bias.
True Vision offer guidance on reporting hate crime and hate incidents, including reporting anonymously.
The University offers wellbeing support through the Mental Health and Wellbeing Team. Details of the services available and to book an appointment, please check our portal page.
Visit the Student Hub for advice and information about the complaints process or to discuss submitting extenuating circumstances if your studies have or are being affected.
The Student Hub is also a third-party reporting centre for hate crimes.
