Religiously Motivated Incidents

We take religiously motivated incidents seriously and have developed a number of options to make it easier for you to report.  We aim to encourage people to report these incidents to us, ensure victims and witnesses are fully supported and build their confidence in the criminal justice system.

Remember, in an emergency call 999.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What if I don’t want to report an incident but need some support?

    We provide support to people who have experienced hate incidents or crimes because of hostility based on their race, religion and / or disability. Caseworkers will:

    • provide a language/sign interpreter, if you need one
    • listen to your needs and take your concerns seriously
    • undertake an initial risk assessment within one working day
    • offer you a single point of contact
    • arrange to meet you at your home, if you wish
    •  develop an action plan to resolve the complaint
    • with your agreement, work with other agencies on the agreed actions to:
      -  solve your complaint
      -  take actions against the person/s who is causing the incidents, where possible.
    • support you throughout the process and if you need to go to court
    • ask for your feedback to improve our service
    • aim for an outcome that is  both realistic and agreeable to you
    Related subjects: 
    Racist Incidents
    Religiously Motivated Incidents

  • What is a religiously motivated hate incident?

    A religiously motivated hate incident is any incident which is perceived to be religiously motivated by the victim, witness or any other person.  It can also include mistaken identity: at times, offenders may mistakenly believe that you are a Muslim or Jewish and may abuse/harass you. It can also include hostility based on the victim having no religious belief or faith.

    Direct religiously motivated incidents can include:

    • physical abuse – spitting, punching, kicking, slapping, pushing or behaviour which leads to physical injury
    • threats – words of a threatening nature, for example “I’m going to beat you up” or “I’m going to get you and your family” etc
    • verbal abuse – faith name calling, swearing, abusive telephone calls, etc
    • sexual abuse – this can be abuse including degradation, rape, assault, etc
    • written/printed abuse – letters by post, leaflets or posters using racist language, abusive text messages, abusive messages on the facebook or other social media etc
    • graffiti / religiously offensive language or images –  written/drawn onto property.
    • attacks on property/home – eggs/stones thrown at property, tyres slashed, windows broken etc
    • harassment  –  persistent intimidating or threatening behaviour which is spread over a period of time
    Related subjects: 
    Religiously Motivated Incidents