Eastleigh Tackling Harassment Partnership

Harassment and Hate Crime Reporting

What is harassment and hate crime?

Harassment or hate crime is a crime which may be motivated by malice or ill-will towards a group.  Hate crime and harassment can be based on any characteristic, including race, faith, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender or age.

It can be:

• Verbal abuse, threats, insults, nuisance telephone calls, name calling and every other form of verbal harassment.
• Physical assaults and physical violence which can vary from pushing to serious attacks.
• Attacks against someones property, for example insulting graffiti, vandalism, breaking windows, theft, damaging cars and even arson.
• Publishing and disseminating materials such as leaflets and newspapers that are likely to incite racial hatred is also a criminal offence.

What should a person do when they experience or know anyone who is experiencing any of the above?

They should report the incident.

Why report it?

If we don't hear about harassment, we can't do anything about it.  We can help with individual incidents in a sensitive way.  Reported information is also useful in identifying trends which may lead to escalating problems.

Can third parties report?

We recognise that many people are fearful or mistrustful of approaching the police directly.  Third party reporting is an important way to overcome this.  Reports can now be made by anyone including the victim, relatives, friends, neighbours, witnesses or by organisations.

Can I report anonymously?

Yes, reports can be made anonymously online, on paper, by telephone or in person.  Information will be kept confidential and will not be passed on unless consent has been given, except when someones safety is at risk.

Who to and where can I report an incident?

You can report incidents using the online form.  Or you can complete the Reporting Form in the Harassment and Hate Crime leaflet and send it to the Community Safety Team at Eastleigh Borough Council.  You can report in person or by telephone to:

• Adult Services
• Atlantic Housing
• Eastleigh Borough Council
• Eastleigh Citizens Advice Bureau
• Hampshire Constabulary (Police)
• Swaythling Housing Society
• Victim Support

What happens after a report has been made?

All reports go to the Community Safety Team based at Eastleigh Borough Council unless they are made directly to the police.  If the reporter has asked to be contacted then a team member will contact them.  No action will be taken without consent unless their or the safety of others is at risk.