On this page you’ll find information about hate crime – what it is, what you can do about it, and who can help you – just click on a heading for more details. Clicking on a heading again will collapse that section.
This page was created in partnership with Grampian’s Third Party Reporting Forum, including many of the organisations listed below.
What is Hate Crime?
A hate crime is a criminal act motivated by hostility or prejudice against someone’s:
- Race, ethnicity or nationality;
- Religion or belief;
- Disability;
- Sexual orientation; or
- Transgender identity
Hate crime can be verbal or physical. It can include:
- Threatening behaviour
- Verbal abuse, insults, or harassment
- Assault or sexual assault
- Burglary, theft, or damage to property
- Encouraging others to commit hate crimes
- Hate mail (malicious communications)
- Online abuse
- Fraud
- Murder
Sources: Hate Crime Scotland and Citizens’ Advice Scotland
What can I do about Hate Crime?
If you have experienced or witnessed Hate Crime, you can report it, either to Police Scotland, GREC, or another Third Party Reporting Centre – anonymously, if you wish. Click here for a list of centres in North East Scotland.
If you prefer to speak to someone, you can phone the Police Non-Emergency Number on 101, or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111. You can also phone GREC on 01224 595505 during business hours.
It’s important to report incidents, both to help victims and to give a clearer picture of what’s happening – which, in turn, can help prevent further incidents. You can report Hate Crime anonymously.
To raise awareness of Hate Crime and Prejudice in your community, school, or workplace, you are welcome to use the posters and leaflets found here. GREC would be happy to provide diversity training for your organisation, or help you identify ways to make your organisation more inclusive.
You can also challenge prejudice when you see it. For example, if someone makes a racist ‘joke’ or uses a homophobic slur, you can tell them it’s inappropriate, or talk about the harm that prejudice causes (always keeping your own safety in mind). If you’re not comfortable speaking to the perpetrator, you can speak to the victim afterwards to make sure they’re okay.
Finally, you can reach out to people who may be targeted by prejudice: if someone seems shy or aloof, they may just be nervous, or waiting to be invited to join in. You can make an effort to speak to a neighbour or co-worker from a different background – even a warm smile goes a long way in making someone feel welcome.
Where can I report a Hate Crime?
If you have experienced or witnessed Hate Crime, you can report it, either to Police Scotland, GREC, or another Third Party Reporting Centre – anonymously, if you wish. You can also contact GREC’s Casework Team to discuss what happened, and we can help you find support and decide what to do next.
Third Party Reporting Centres are based in local services and charities, where people will help you report an incident, decide what to do next, and find support. You do not have to give your personal details if you prefer not to. All reports are confidential and are handled sensitively. Click here for a list of centres in North East Scotland.
What happens when I report a Hate Crime?
All Reports: Basic information is added to statistics (published on our Research Page), which helps us understand trends and developments in prejudice and hate crime. Personal information is not included in any publications.
Reporting Anonymously: If you report an incident to the Police, or ask GREC to do so, the Police will investigate whether there is enough evidence for a case. More information on this process is available on the Hate Crime Scotland website.
Reporting to GREC: If you leave contact details on the GREC Reporting Form, a member of the Casework Team will get back to you within two working days, to discuss your options and help you find support. We will not contact the Police unless you want us to.
Reporting to the Police: If you leave contact details on the Police Scotland Reporting Form, the Police will contact you in your preferred way – this can be by phone or email, or in person at your home, or in another location. You can ask for non-uniformed officers to meet you, so it’s not obvious you’re talking to police, and you can also ask for a language interpreter.
The Police will then investigate whether there is enough evidence for a case. More information on this process is available on the Hate Crime Scotland website.
Source: Hate Crime Scotland FAQs
I’m not sure if I experienced a Hate Crime. What can I do?
You can report incidents to the Police or to GREC – anonymously, if you wish, and the matter will be investigated. You can also contact GREC’s Casework Team to discuss what happened, and we can help you decide what to do next.
I think I witnessed a Hate Crime. What can I do?
If you have witnessed Hate Crime, you can report it, either to Police Scotland, GREC, or another Third Party Reporting Centre (click here for a list). If you prefer to speak to someone, you can phone the Police Non-Emergency Number on 101, or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111. You can also phone GREC on 01224 595505 during business hours.
It’s important to report incidents, both to help victims and to give a clearer picture of what’s happening – which, in turn, can help prevent further incidents. You can report Hate Crime anonymously.
If the incident happened to someone you know, you can ask what kind of support they want or need from you – and respect their wishes. You can also tell them about GREC.
I was targeted because of a characteristic I don’t have. Could it still be a Hate Crime?
Yes. Hate Crime is about the perpetrator’s motivation. For example, if someone is attacked for being Muslim, it doesn’t matter whether that person is actually Muslim.
I don’t want to contact the Police. Is there anything else I can do?
You can report incidents to GREC or another Third Party Reporting Centre – anonymously, if you wish. A list can be found here. You can also contact GREC’s Casework Team to discuss what happened, and we can help you find support and decide what to do next.
Third Party Reporting Centres are based in local services and organisations that you may already know. People in these centres will help you report an incident, decide what to do next, and find support. You do not have to give your personal details if you prefer not to. All reports are confidential and are handled sensitively.
What about incidents motivated by prejudice, which aren’t crimes?
Hate Incidents and Prejudice Incidents are considered less serious than crimes, but still cause distress, division and fear. They can have long-term effects on a victim’s physical and mental health, and can lead to more serious incidents.
Deciding whether something is a Hate Crime, Hate Incident or Prejudice Incident depends on what happened, but also the context, patterns of behaviour, and the victim’s perception.
Both Hate Crimes and Hate Incidents can be reported to the Police or to GREC. Prejudice Incidents can be reported to GREC.
Hate Incidents can include:
- Verbal abuse like name-calling and offensive jokes
- Hoax calls, abusive phone/text messages or hate mail
- Online or social media abuse
- Physical attacks (e.g. hitting, pushing, spitting)
- Bullying or intimidation
- Threats of violence
- Throwing rubbish into a garden
- Harassment
- Graffiti
- Arson
- Malicious complaints
Source: Citizens’ Advice Scotland
Where can I get support after experiencing Prejudice or Hate Crime?
GREC’s Casework Service provides practical help and advice. Our Counselling Services (for Adults or Children and Young People) provides a supportive environment to talk things through with a fully-qualified counsellor. Both services are free, confidential and tailored to your needs.
Support services from other organisations are listed on the Further Links page.
How many hate crimes are reported in North East Scotland?
In 2022, 453 hate crimes were reported across Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray. Annual figures and information can be found on our Research page. Most Hate Crimes are never reported, so the problem is much bigger than the statistics show.
Where can I find more information?
Here are some links with further information:
Hate Crime pages from different organisations:
Research and Reports:
- UN Report on Prejudice and Discrimination
- The Psychology of Hate Crimes (American Psychological Association)
- The Experiences of Victims of Hate Crime (National Centre for Social Research)
- University of Leicester Centre for Hate Studies
Equality and Human Rights Commission: (EHRC)
- Know Your Rights
- Prejudice and Discrimination Reading List
- Causes and Motivations of Hate Crime Report
For School Pupils:
Third Party Reporting Centres & Other Support
Third Party Reporting Centres are based in local services and organisations, where people will help you report an incident, decide what to do next, and find support. You do not have to give your personal details if you prefer not to. All reports are confidential and are handled sensitively. The list below is correct as of December 2022.
Across Grampian:
Four Pillars 01224 211963
33 Regent Quay, Aberdeen AB11 5BE
mail@fourpillarsuk.org
GREC (Grampian Regional Equality Council) 01224 595505
680 King Street, Aberdeen, AB24 1SL
info@grec.co.uk
Aberdeen City:
Aberdeen Action on Disability 01224 641355
Units G & H, Kettock Lodge, Campus 2
2 Balgownie Drive, Bridge of Don, AB22 8GU
office@aad-online.com
Aberdeen Foyer 01224 212924
Marywell Centre, Marywell Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6JF
info@aberdeenfoyer.com
Absafe 01224 823157
26 Corunna Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8DU
hello@absafe.org.uk
Aberdeen City Council 01224 791860
(Gypsy/Traveller Matters)
Clinterty Park, Kinellar, Aberdeen, AB21 0TN
SHMU (Station House Media Unit) 01224 515013
Station House, Station Road, Woodside, Aberdeen, AB24 2WB
info@shmu.org.uk
Victim Support Scotland – Aberdeen 01224 622 478
41 Regent Quay, Aberdeen, AB11 5BE
victimsupport.aberdeen@victimsupportsco.org.uk
Aberdeenshire & Moray:
Aberdeenshire Council 07795 238423
(Gypsy/Traveller Matters)
Aikey Brae Travellers’ Site, Maud, Peterhead, AB42 5PP
gypsytravellerliaison@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Moray Council 01343 563321
Council HQ, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX
equalopportunities@moray.gov.uk