Hate crimes and incidents

Hate crimes or hate incidents can happen anywhere: at home, in the streets, at work, online, or at school. No-one should have to live with the fear, anxiety, or consequences of hate. Reporting incidents helps the police and other agencies address the distress it has caused and may prevent future incidents. It also helps local agencies understand the extent of hate in your area, allowing them to put effective response plans in place.

A Hate Crime is defined as any criminal offence that is perceived by the victim, or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's:

Disability
Race or ethnicity
Religion or belief
Sexual orientation
Gender identity

Hate crimes often include physical assaults, verbal abuse, incitement to hatred, and criminal damage.

A Hate incident is any incident which the victim, or another person, believes is driven by prejudice against someone based on their:

Disability
Race or ethnicity
Religion or belief
Sexual orientation
Gender identity

Evidence of a hate element is not required. You do not need to personally perceive the incident as hate-related; the perception of any person, a witness, or a police officer is sufficient.

Reporting Hate Crime and Incidents

Please report hate crime or incidents whether you are the victim, a witness, or know someone who has been affected. By reporting, you help us and our partner organisations combat hate and make Eastbourne and Lewes a safer, better place to live.

While not all hate incidents are criminal offences, all reports are important and will be investigated. Both hate crimes and incidents should be reported to Sussex Police.

If you prefer not to contact Sussex Police online, you can visit a police station or call 101 (the national non-emergency telephone number, staffed at all times). If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use our textphone service on 18001 101.

In an emergency, you should always contact the relevant emergency service (police, fire, or ambulance) on 999.

Other ways to report Hate Crime

Hate crimes can also be reported via these trusted services:

The True Vision website: This service allows you to report hate crimes online, meaning you don't need to phone or visit a police station. Reports made here are directed to the police, who will record and investigate the offence, even if you choose to remain anonymous. The website also explains different types of hate crime, how to report, and where to get support.
The British Muslim Trust: Provides confidential support and safe reporting for victims of anti-Muslim hate across the UK.
The Community Safety Trust: Provides confidential support and safe reporting for victims of antisemitism across the UK.
Lewes and Eastbourne Councils: Use the Make a report link to report directly to the Council. To ensure the best response possible, we will ask if we can share the information you provide with the police and other relevant agencies. You don't have to agree, but declining may mean we can only record the information and not take further action.