If you think someone you know has experienced a hate crime there are lots of ways in which you can help them.
Understanding the behaviours associated with hate crimes is a good place to start. Most people will usually describe what has or is happening to them and how it's making them feel.
Hate incidents and hate crime are acts of violence or hostility against a person or property that is motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person due to a particular characteristic. This could be a disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, transgender identity or an alternative sub-culture hate crime. A victim does not have to be a member of the group at which the hostility is targeted. In fact, anyone could be a victim of a hate crime.
Hate incidents and crimes include bullying, harassment and sexual harassment, which are contrary to the Equality Act 2010 and the University Dignity at Work and Study Policies. Find out more about bullying and harassment and sexual harassment.
Think
- Are they in immediate danger? If they are in immediate danger or seriously injured on campus they can call the Brunel Security Team on 01895 255786. If they are off campus, contact the Emergency Services on 999.
- Find a safe space. If an incident has just happened try and find somewhere they feel safe. If this isn't possible and they are scared or fearful they can call the Brunel Security Team on 01895 255786 or the Emergency services on 999.
- What is a hate crime? It might be useful to think about what hate crime is and how some of the behaviours are described.
Talk
- To a friend. Talking things through with someone you trust can sometimes help.
- Student Support and Welfare Team. A member of the team can talk through the University's procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available.
- Visit the Meeting House on campus to speak with a chaplain.
Report
- To the Police. If you want to report directly to the police, you can call the national non-emergency telephone number on 101 and ask to speak to your Community Safety Unit or report to the Metropolitan Police online here.
- Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can make a report with contact details. If you choose to report with contact details, a member of the Student Support and Welfare Team will be able to talk through the options and support available to you.
- University Procedure. If you choose to make a formal complaint to the University about a student or member of staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow
Mental Health and Wellbeing
1 in 4 people is affected by a mental health problem in any year and it is estimated that around 1 in 5 people has contemplated suicide or self-harm.
- Find out more on the support available for mental health and wellbeing.
- Take care of yourself. It’s important that you take care of yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, you can let us know via this site or contact the Student Support and Welfare Team.