York is one of the safer student cities in the UK, but hate crime happens, as it does in all parts of the country. In rare cases, students and staff might meet people who use words or actions against them because they have (or are perceived to have) a particular identity.
A hate crime is 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
- religion
- sexual orienttion
- disability
- or gender identity
Hate crime can be:
- Name calling
- Graffiti or writing
- Damage to your property
- Physical attacks
- Threats of violence
- Online abuse
It does not matter whether the victim actually belongs to the group to which the hostility is targeted. An act, which is not an offence, may still be treated as a hate incident.
Any allegation of hate crime by a student or member of staff is likely to involve disciplinary procedures.
If you have experienced or witnessed a hate incident or crime, please report it. If you are on campus, and feel in danger, you can call our on-campus Security team on 01904 876 444. You can also call the police on 999.
In non-emergency situations you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101.
If you decide you want to report the incident to the University, you can do so using- the online Report and Support site, either anonymously or to a York St John Welfare Adviser, who can contact you to talk through your options.
You may also want to seek advice from the charity Supporting Victims. Find out more by calling 01904 643 100 or visit www.supportingvictims.org.