Hate Crime
What Is Hate Crime?
A hate crime is a serious criminal offence committed against a person or property due to hatred of that person’s gender, race, religion, colour, ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation
Hate Crime Hurts
Harassment does not only harm the victim or damage their property; it can affect the whole family, friends and the wider community. It can do serious harm as many victims do not report incidents but endure harassment for a long time – sometimes for years
You do not have to be a member of a minority to be a victim of hate crime or someone who is generally considered to be 'vulnerable'. For example, the friends of a visible minority ethnic person, lesbian or refugee may be victimised because of their association.
Hate Crime can Take Many Forms
Physical Attacks
- Damage to property
- Offensive graffiti
- Neighbour disputes
- Arson.
The Threat of Attack
- Offensive letters
- Abusive or obscene telephone calls
- Groups hanging around to intimidate
- Unfounded, malicious complaints
Verbal Abuse or Insults
- Offensive leaflets and posters
- Abusive gestures
- Dumping of rubbish outside homes or through letterboxes
- Bullying at school or in the workplace
Victims can take Action Against their Attackers
People who do these sorts of things can be prosecuted in the courts. Those who attack others because of their gender, disability, sexuality, race or religion can be evicted from their homes, fined, be subject to Anti-Social Behaviour Orders or put in prison.
Hate crime is under reported as a crime. If more victims and witnesses report incidents it can prevent other people becoming victims of hate crime.
How you can report Hate Crime
1. Call the Police
In an emergency call 999. Ask for an officer to attend your home.
2. Call into any Police Station
Speak to the member of staff on duty who will take the details.
3. Report via the Internet
http://www.gmp.police.uk/mainsite/hatecrime.htm 
4. Self Report
Pick up a pack with forms enclosed from the Police or other agencies.
5. Report via Another Agency
There are a number of third party reporting centres in Tameside.
6. Call Crimestoppers
0800 555 111. Report in confidence, you will not be asked for your name.
Who can help you?
Authorities such as the police, local authorities and schools have a duty to protect you. There are practical steps that agencies can take to help challenge harassment and support the victims.
The Police
If you are attacked - contact the police immediately. Dial 999. Tell the police that the attack was a hate crime. Always tell the police about hate crime, even if you do not think anything can be done. The Police may be able to gain evidence against offenders by putting together information given by a number of victims. People who carry out these crimes may be harming other people.
If you believe the incident (whether a crime or not) is racist, homophobic or motivated by hatred based on religion, gender or disability, Greater Manchester Police will record it as such. This means that if you tell the police about something that you think is a hate crime then the police will believe you and they will record what you are saying as a hate crime without question.
The Hate Crime Co-ordinator and Community & Race Relations Officer are local points of contact in Tameside for hate crime and community relations:
Andy Searle - Hate Crime Co-ordinator
0161 856 9214 
andrew.searle@gmp.police.uk
Shameem Eusuf - Community & Race Relations Officer
0161 856 9353 shameem.eusuf@gmp.police.uk
If you do not want to give your name or address, you can still report an incident without providing your details.
Self report
The Greater Manchester Police operate a self-reporting scheme. You can find self-reporting forms at many places throughout Tameside. The benefit of the scheme is that you can report an incident anonymously or without any contact with the police.
View a list of local reporting stations.
E-mail - you can report Hate Crime from the GM Police website . Just fill it in and press the submit button. All replies will be treated in total confidence should you so indicate. If you prefer, complete the form, print it off and post a copy to your local Police Station.
A number of local Agencies act as reporting centres for Hate Crimes. A member of staff will complete the necessary paperwork and forward it to the local police Division for allocation.
You can get advice from the following organisations:
Tameside Citizens Advice Bureau
9 George Street, Ashton-under-Lyne 0161 330 2156
Tameside Victims Support Witness Services
62 Turner Lane, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 8LP 0161 339 1190
Tameside Equalities Centre (Tameside Racial Equality Council)
They have a team of Legal Action Officers who can give you advice and help you challenge racial harassment. It is a free and confidential service. Remember if you are racially abused or harassed at work, or at school or when you receive a service, the Race Relations Act protects you. The Race Equality Council can help you with your case.
22 Warrington Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6AS 0161 343 3399 (answer phone after hours)
The Local Authority
Tameside Hate Incident Panel (THIP)
The Tameside Hate Incident Panel is a group of local agencies that work together to monitor & stop hate related harassment & violence in Tameside and to promote good race relations & community cohesion in Tameside. The group has produced a verity of leaflets & publications which offer advice and guidance to victims of Hate Crime. If you require copies of these publication please ring on the below number.
Contact the Community Safety Unit for advice on 0161 342 8355
Your Landlord
Landlords can take action against any tenant who harasses others. They can help with security measures to make you feel safer
Adult Services Asylum Seeker Team
If you are an Asylum Seeker who is being supported by Social Care and Health, you can contact the team for advice and support. 0161 371 9942
Schools
If a child is being bullied at school because of his or her sexuality, race, religion, gender or disability - report the matter to the head teacher. Schools and colleges have policies in place to protect students from discrimination and bullying.
If you cannot tell the school, you can use a self-reporting form or report on-line. For advice and support call 0161 342 3310
The Equalities & Human Rights Commission
The Equality and Human Rights Commission champions’ equality and human rights for all, working to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society.
The Commission can advise or assist people with cases before courts and employment tribunals and can conduct its own investigations when it has grounds to believe discrimination may be taking place. The E&HRC has an office in Manchester.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission Arndale House, The Arndale Centre, Manchester, M4 3AQ
The Equality and Human Rights Commission operates a helpline service in England, Scotland and Wales.
0845 604 6610
Full details on the helpline can be found on the Equality and Human Rights Helpline page.
Stonewall
Stonewall are a group which campaigns for Lesbian Gay and Bisexual rights. As part of this work they offer a free general information.
Stonewall free phoneline:
08000 50 20 20
Stonewall general phone number:
020 7593 1850
Infobank on their website http://www.stonewall.org.uk
For additional support regarding sexuality related hate crime please contact the Lesbian & Gay Foundation. http://www.lgf.org.uk
The LGF deliver first class and accessible community, health and support services such as face to face counselling 
, clinical services , LGF Helpline and a range of support groups .
The LGF also provide high quality and accurate information and advice, including a range of leaflets and booklets, a monthly magazine, for help & advice call the Helpline below.
0845 330 3030 or 0161 235 8035