A hate crime is when you are targeted because of who you are. Any crime motivated by hostility or prejudice based on one of the following is a hate crime:
- Race
- Religion
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Transgender identity
These are called protected characteristics.
Examples of hate crime can include assault, property damage, intimidation, harassment, threats and online incidents.
A hate incident is a type of anti-social behaviour. A crime has not been committed, but the incident is motivated by hostility or prejudice based on one of your protected characteristics.
Hate incidents can often escalate into a crime and lead to tensions in a community.
For victims, hate incidents can feel like a crime has been committed against them.
Example of hate incidents can include offensive gestures and verbal abuse such as name-calling and offensive jokes.
What support is available?
Supporting victims of hate crime is a priority for us.
Investigations are led by the police, but if you choose to report your experience to us, we will respond as quickly as possible and arrange to see you at a location where you feel safe to agree an action plan.
We will also provide a single point of contact from start to finish, usually through an allocated Neighbourhood Safety Officer.
We can offer you advice about how to report hate crime to the police and our staff are trained to report on your behalf.
Hate incidents will be investigated by us and we will ensure appropriate action is taken against those responsible.
Additional support can include:
- Keeping in regular contact with victims and witnesses
- Taking action to address damage caused to victims’ homes, with the cost paid for by us
- Adding additional security features to homes where needed
- Considering housing transfers where necessary (the new home will be comparable to the home you are leaving)
- Signposting to wellbeing services such as counselling.
If a United Welsh resident (contract-holder or occupier) is charged and found guilty of committing a hate crime, it is a breach of their housing contract and we will seek legal advice to decide the appropriate course of action.
How to report it
Victims or witnesses of hate crime can report directly to the police. If it’s an emergency call 999, or 101 for a non-emergency.
You can make a report to United Welsh by calling 0330 159 6080 and press 3, or email tellmemore@unitedwelsh.com. If you live in a United Welsh home, you can also tell your housing staff, such as your Neighbourhood Officer, Housing Co-ordinator or another staff member you regularly speak with.
Another option is the Wales Hate Support Centre which is part of Victim Support; a national charity providing independent, confidential support to victims and witnesses of hate crimes in Wales. You can call free at any time on 0300 3031 982 or visit their website to find out more.
Other advice and information
If you want more advice about reporting a hate crime or incident, the charities and organisations below can offer further support.
Wales Hate Support Centre, part of Victim Support
Available 24/7, 365 days.
Find out more
Safer Wales
An independent charity offering support for victims of hate crime.
Find out more
Crimestoppers
Independent charity for reporting hate crime and incidents anonymously.
Find out more
Citizens Advice Witness Support
Citizens Advice offers support for victims and witnesses of hate crimes.
Find out more
Race Equality First – Hate Crime Advocacy and Empowerment Project
Support for victims of hate crimes in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Find out more
Galop
A national charity offering advice and support to the LGBT+ community.
Find out more
Community Security Trust (CST)
A charity protecting British Jews from terrorism and antisemitism.
Find out more
TellMAMA
A national project to support victims of anti-Muslim hate .
Find out more
Age Cymru
Provides support for older people.
Find out more
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