Getting help with and reporting hate crime

Report a hate crime to the Community Safety team

What is hate crime?

Hate crime is any offence or hostility directed at a person because of who they are, or who someone thinks they are, based on their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

If you're not sure whether you have experienced an incident of hate, Stop Hate UK offers the following rule of thumb: if you think it is, it is.

Should I report?

Understandably, some people are afraid to report hate crime to the police, as they are worried things may get worse. Nobody deserves to live in fear. Please report all offences to Merseyside Police and you will be taken seriously. The dedicated hate crime co-ordinator will help you get the right support and with your permission, investigate the incident and take steps to change the behaviour of those responsible.

If you wish to report a hate crime to Merseyside Police you can:

• Report online at: www.merseyside.police.uk
• Report to East Area Hate Crime Co-oridinator for Merseyside - find out more
• Report by phone: 101 (or 999 if you are in immediate danger)
• Report by Twitter: @MerpolCC
• Facebook: Merseyside Police CC

If you do not want to involve the police you can:

• Report to Stop Hate UK
• Report anonymously to Crimestoppers UK
• Report it online to our Community Safety team

Getting support

The Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner has commissioned the following services to support victims of hate crime:

• The Anthony Walker Foundation
• Citizens Advice Bureau
• Daisy UK

You can also find support services nearest to you by entering your postcode at victimcaremerseyside.org.

Our commitment to tackling hate crime

As a local authority we are committed to tackling hate crime by:

• Working with agencies to support victims,
• Working with agencies to educate perpetrators,
• Continuing to promote equality and diversity in the borough,
• Making St Helens a welcoming environment for all.