Hate Crime and Hate Incidents
The University of Wolverhampton is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment where all members of our community are treated with dignity and respect.
Nobody should experience hostility, prejudice, discrimination, harassment or abuse because of who they are, or because of who someone perceives them to be.
If you have experienced, witnessed, or been affected by a hate incident or hate crime, support is available.
What is a Hate Incident?
A hate incident is any incident that is perceived by the person affected, or by any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person's actual or perceived:
- Race or ethnicity
- Religion or belief
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity (transgender)
A hate incident does not have to be a criminal offence to have a serious impact on someone's wellbeing, confidence or sense of safety.
West Midlands Police recognise that even incidents which may appear minor can have a significant impact on those affected and may escalate if not addressed appropriately.
Examples may include:
- Offensive comments or name-calling
- Intimidation or bullying
- Online abuse or social media harassment
- Threatening behaviour
- Exclusion because of a protected characteristic
- Displaying offensive material
- Unwanted conduct creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading or offensive environment
Hate incidents can occur:
- On campus
- In student accommodation
- On placement
- During University activities and events
- Through social media or online platforms
- In the wider community
What is a Hate Crime?
A hate crime is a criminal offence that is motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person's actual or perceived:
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity (transgender)
These are the five nationally recognised monitored strands of hate crime.
Examples may include:
- Physical assault
- Criminal damage
- Harassment
- Stalking
- Threatening behaviour
- Sexual offences
- Hate mail or malicious communications
Hate crimes can have a profound impact on victims, affecting their confidence, well-being, sense of belonging and ability to participate fully in their studies, work or daily life.
Reporting a Hate Incident or Hate Crime
You can report:
- Incidents that have happened to you
- Incidents you have witnessed
- Concerns about another student, colleague or member of the University community
Reports can be submitted through the University's Report + Support system.
You can choose to:
- Make an identifiable report
- Make an anonymous report
- Seek advice and support before deciding whether to make a formal complaint
Where appropriate, the University may offer safeguarding support, wellbeing support, advice on reporting options and referrals to specialist services.
Immediate Risk
If someone is at immediate risk of harm, a crime is in progress, or emergency assistance is required:
Call 999
For non-emergency police matters:
West Midlands Police – 101
Do not wait for a Report + Support submission to be reviewed if urgent assistance is required.
Support Available
Experiencing hate-related behaviour can be distressing and may affect:
- Wellbeing
- Mental health
- Confidence
- Sense of safety
- Engagement with study or work
- Sense of belonging within the University community
Support is available whether or not you choose to make a formal complaint or report the matter to the police.
The University can provide:
- Safeguarding support
- Support to access specialist services
- Advice regarding reporting options
- Ongoing welfare support
Our Commitment
The University of Wolverhampton is committed to:
- Creating an inclusive and respectful community
- Taking reports of hate incidents and hate crimes seriously
- Supporting those affected
- Reducing barriers to reporting concerns
- Working with relevant agencies where appropriate
- Promoting equality, dignity and respect for all
Further Information and External Support
True Vision
True Vision is the national hate crime reporting service and provides information about recognising and reporting hate incidents and hate crimes.
Stop Homophobic, Transphobic, Racial, Religious & Disability Hate Crime - True Vision
West Midlands Police
West Midlands Police provides information about hate crime, reporting options and victim support services across the West Midlands.
Hate crime | West Midlands Police
Victim Support
Victim Support offers free and confidential support to people affected by crime, including hate crime, whether or not the incident has been reported to the police.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice provides guidance and information relating to discrimination, hate incidents and hate crime.
Need Advice?
If you are unsure whether what you have experienced constitutes a hate incident or hate crime, we would still encourage you to seek advice or make a report.
You do not need to have all the answers before reaching out for support. The University will listen, provide advice and help you understand the options available to you.