Hate crime

Hate crime is any offence committed against person or property which is motivated by the offender's hatred of people because they are seen as being different.

Watch Natalie and Andrew from our Tenancy Compliance Team discuss hate crime in this Hot Topic conversation:

Hate crime could be because of:

• Race, ethnicity or nationality
• Religion or belief
• Sexuality
• Gender or transgender
• Disability, health or mental health
• Age

This could include incidents of:

• Verbal abuse
• Harassment or threats
• Physical assault of any kind
• Damage to home or property
• Bullying
• Graffiti and vandalism
• Any other form of intimidation not listed above

You can tell us about hate crime in confidence. We will support you.

We believe any hate crime is totally unacceptable. We will deal robustly with any Curo tenant (or anyone who lives in a Curo home) who carry out hate crimes.

It is really important that you report hate crime. Lots of people do not. When you report it you are making a big difference. Not only does it help you get support, you are also helping us to make your community safer.

When you contact us:

• We will put you at the centre of what we do. Our first concern is your safety and well-being.
• We will aim to speak with you within 24 hours of you contacting us, at a location of your choice. If you need it we can arrange for an interpreter.
• An officer will be assigned to work with you.
• What you tell us will remain confidential, unless you give us permission to talk to anyone else.
• We work closely with other agencies such as the police, the local authority and specialist support organisations to keep you safe and support you. If you agree to it we will contact them for you. We will keep you informed about this, and they may contact you themselves.
• We will deal with any graffiti or vandalism to your home as a priority.
• We will agree a plan with you about how we will help you.

This could include:

• Supporting you to stay in your home safely.
• Making your home more secure.
• Help and support with moving house.
• Advice if you need emergency housing.
• Getting you specialist support.
• Looking at legal interventions, such as injunctions, to protect you.
• Taking action against the people who are harassing you. We will usually work with other people and organisations to do this.

Support is also available from the following organisations:

Avon and Somerset Police
Report hate crimes directly to the police by calling 101 or using their online reporting form. For emergencies, dial 999.

Bristol Hate Crime & Discrimination Services
A partnership that provides support, advice and advocacy for victims of hate crime in Bristol. Visit their website.

Crimestoppers
If you prefer to report a hate crime anonymously, you can contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or visit their website.

Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI)
SARI provides specialist support for victims of hate crimes, particularly those involving race, religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Visit their website.

True Vision
An online resource provided by UK police for reporting hate crimes and obtaining advice. Visit their website.

Resolve West
An organisation to help people deal with conflict within their workplaces or communities. Visit their website.

Victim Support
This national charity offers emotional and practical support to victims of crime, including hate crime. Contact them via their 24/7 support line at 0808 168 9111 or visit their website.