'Hate crime,' is a term used to describe acts of violence or hostility directed at you because of who are, or who someone thinks you are.  Like hate incidents, they are motivated by hostility or prejudice based on disability, race, religion, transgender identity, or sexual orientation. This can be an incident against you or against your property, including materials posted online.

Hate crime is particularly hurtful as you are being targeted solely because of your personal identity: your actual or perceived racial or ethnic origin, belief or faith.  These crimes can happen randomly or be part of a campaign of continued harassment and victimisation.  It can impact your sense of security and wellbeing, as well as your ability to participate both socially and economically in your communities.

 

When hate incidents become criminal offences they are known as hate crimes.  A criminal offence is something that breaks the law.  Some examples of hate crimes include: 

·       assaults 

·       criminal damage 

·       harassment 

·       murder 

·       sexual assault 

·       theft 

·       fraud 

·       burglary 

·       hate mail 

·       harassment

Hate crimes are contrary to the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021, the University of St Andrews Dignity and Respect at Work policy and the Code of Student Conduct.

Race and Religious Hate Crime 

Racist and religious hate crime targets actual or perceived racial or ethnic origin, belief or faith.

·       Citizens Advice on Hate Crime. Citizens Advice provides support for anyone who has experienced Race and Religious hate crime. 

·       Lord Advocate’s Guidelines on Prosecuting Racist Crimes. The Lord Advocate’s guidelines and provides further information. 

Homophobic and Transphobic hate crime targets actual or perceived sexual orientation or transgender identity. 

·       Citizens Advice on Hate Crime. Citizens Advice provides further information on hate crime. 

Disability Hate Crime 
Disability hate crime targets disability or perceived diability. 

·       Citizens Advice on Disability Hate Crime. Citizens Advice provides further information on disability related hate crime.