Hate Crime

Hate crime can take many forms, and it harms not just individuals but the heart of our communities. As your local council, we are committed to working with you to challenge hate and ensure our district remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

If you or someone you know has been affected by prejudice, discrimination, or violence, we’re here to help. No one should suffer in silence.

Together, we can make a difference.

What is Hate Crime?

Hate crime differs from other crimes because it’s motivated by hostility or prejudice against who the victim is—or who they are perceived to be.

A hate crime is defined as:

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 race or perceived race; religion or perceived religion; sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation; disability or perceived disability; or because the person is transgender or perceived to be transgender.

This means that perception alone is enough to report an incident as a hate crime. You do not need to be the direct victim—anyone who witnesses or suspects hate motivation, including police officers, can report it.

A hate incident is any non-criminal act that the victim—or anyone else—believes was motivated by prejudice or hostility based on race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or transgender identity.

While not all hate incidents are crimes, they can still cause serious harm and are taken seriously. Reporting hate incidents helps authorities and communities understand where hate happens and how to prevent it.

Types of Hate Crime

Hate crime can take many forms but generally falls into three categories:

Physical Assault: Any form of physical attack is a criminal offence. This can range from minor assault to serious violence. Depending on severity, charges may include common assault, actual bodily harm (ABH), or grievous bodily harm (GBH).
If you’ve been physically assaulted, please report it.

Verbal Abuse: Verbal abuse, threats, and name-calling can be deeply distressing. These are unfortunately common, especially towards minority groups.
You might be unsure if an offence has been committed or if anything can be done—but there are laws to protect you. Speak to the police or local support partners. Even if you don’t know the offender, your report helps improve community safety.

Incitement to Hatred: This offence involves actions intended to stir up hatred against individuals or groups, which can be through speech, writing, images, music, or online content.
Examples include:

  • Messages promoting violence against a person or group
  • Websites displaying violent or hateful imagery
  • Online forums encouraging hate crimes or prejudice

If you see any such content or behaviour, please report it.

How to Report Hate Crime

In an emergency, always call 999 if:

  • There is an immediate threat to life
  • Someone is being violent or threatening violence
  • A crime is happening and the suspect is still present

If you have a hearing or speech impairment:

  • Text 999 (if pre-registered with emergency SMS service)
  • Use textphone: Dial 18000
  • Use the 999 BSL service for British Sign Language interpreter access

Reporting to the Police

You can report a hate crime even if you’re not sure it qualifies:

Third Party Reporting

If you don’t want to report directly to the police, use a Third Party Reporting Centre or report online at:

Third party centres offer a safe, confidential space to share your experience without fear of judgment or retaliation. Staff can provide:

  • Emotional support
  • Information and guidance
  • Help with reporting, if and when you’re ready

Local Watford Hate Crime Reporting Centres:

Watford Borough Council
Town Hall, Watford, WD17 3EX

Otley Way Family Centre
Otley Way, Watford, WD19 7TB

Citizens Advice Watford
St Mary’s Churchyard, High Street, Watford, WD17 2BE

Available Support Services

Remember: Reporting hate crime helps keep Watford safe, supports victims, and sends a clear message that hate will not be tolerated here.

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