I have witnessed a hate crime, what do I do?

It’s best to report a hate crime if you witness one, because it can prevent similar things from happening to other people and it sends an important message about what behaviour is acceptable in our University community. It can also help the police understand the extent of hate crime in the area.

A hate crime is any crime (assault, harassment, causing criminal damage) that is motivated by hostility or prejudice based on race or ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, sexual identity or gender identity.

You can report a hate crime anonymously and don’t have to talk to the police, but if you do, we can help you.

LUU and the University of Leeds both have a zero tolerance policy towards hate crimes and hate incidents. Any student making a report will always be believed and supported.

We've got a dedicated Hate Crime Support Team that you can get in touch here if you've got any questions or would like someone to talk to.

There are four main ways you can choose to make a report:-

Contacting the Police on 999 if it is an emergency.
You can report a hate crime via the University's online reporting system. You can contact the Hate Crime Support Team who can guide you through this process, link you up to support services and provide bystander intervention training.
Talk to LUU Advice about the incident without having to do anything you feel uncomfortable with, such as talk to the police.
Report in person at the University of Leeds International Student Office.
Report to Stop Hate UK or on phone which is open 24 hours a day on (0800) 1381 625.

More support:

In LUU there is a Victim Support drop in session where students can go for confidential help, support and information. Contact LUU Advice for further information. You don’t need to have reported the crime to the police.

As a University of Leeds student you also have free access to the Big White Wall, which provides health and wellbeing support if you've been effected.