What is a hate incident?
If someone is harassed because of their age, skin colour, gender identity, so called ‘race’, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability, this is called a hate incident. A hate incident can take many forms. It may be physical violence or threatening behaviour; attacks on property or arson; verbal abuse, offensive graffiti, malicious communications or threatening phone calls. Some forms of hate incidents are obvious other may be harder to identify.

ARCH Sunderland makes sure that every person providing details of an incident is taken seriously.

What is a racist incident?

If a person is targeted or victimised because of their ethnic background, national origin, skin colour or so called 'race' this is a racist hate incident. All organisations that form ARCH Sunderland partnership use the definition of a racist incident as "Any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person". This definition comes from one of the recommendations of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry report also known as the MacPherson Report. 

What is a homophobic incident?

If you, your family or friends are being targeted and victimised because of your sexuality this is a homophobic incident. Anyone who is lesbian, gay, bisexual or straight can experience a homophobic incident. Any incident which is perceived to be homophobic by the victim or any other other person is a homophobic incident.

What is a transphobic incident?

If you, your family or friends are being targeted and victimised because of being trans this is a transphobic incident. A lot of people assume that trans people must be gay, lesbian or bisexual and they target them because of this as well, which means that they are not only transphobic but also homophobic.

What is a disability hate incident?

If you, your family or friends are being targeted and victimised because of your disability or what someone thinks your disability is, this is a disability hate incident.

Any incident that is perceived to be a disability hate incident by the victim or any other person is a disability hate incident.

Where can hate incident happen?

Hate incidents can happen anywhere, for example:

• at home
• at work
• at school or college
• at university
• in the pub
• in the supermarket
• on the bus or metro
• on the street

Why is it important to report hate incidents?

It is really important to report hate incidents. Reporting means that a victim can get advice and support from relevant organisations. It also means that organisations that are ARCH partners can take action against perpetrators to try and stop the incident happening again or happening to other people. If no one knows that incidents are occurring then it means that organisations do not know what or where there are problems. If people provide details of incidents to ARCH then more resources can be provided for the particular areas or at particular times of the day when a high number of hate incidents occur. For example, anti-racism work or work tackling homophobia in schools or more police patrols could be provided.

What if I don't want to give my personal details to ARCH?

You don't need to give your personal details to ARCH so you can stay anonymous. It is up to you how many details you give to ARCH but if you want some support from the partner organisations, then you will need to give some contact details so that the organisation, which you would like to provide support to you, can contact you. All details given to ARCH stay confidential and will only be given to an organisation if you say that you agree for the details to be passed on.

What if I change my mind later and I do want some support?

When you report an incident to ARCH you will be given a unique reference number. If you decide that you want some support you can email ARCH: sunderlandarch@sunderland.gov.uk or phone 0191 2480 with your reference number and let ARCH know what support you'd require.  

What if I see a hate incident in the street and I don't know the people involved?

If you witness a racist, religious, homophobic, transphobic or disability hate incident you can report it to ARCH even if you don't know the people involved. You could contact ARCH and give as many details about the incident as possible. This means that the incident will be included in reports about the number of hate incidents in Sunderland and this could mean that more resources are given to particular areas.

Do I have to tell the police about the incident?

When you report an incident to ARCH you will be asked if you would like the incident to be referred to the police. You do not have to refer the incident to the police.

If you do want the incident referred to the police there are 2 options.

The first is for information only - this means the police would not be sent any of your personal details, but they would be sent details of the date, time and place of the incident. The second option is for full investigation - this means that the police will be given all the information that you have given to ARCH and they will contact you so they can arrange to take a statement from you and begin their investigations.

Who will see the information that I tell ARCH?

It is up to you to decide which organisations will see your information. If you want some support or some action taken against a suspect then your personal details will be sent to the organisations that you want help from. If you do not want any support from other organisations or no action taken against a suspect, then the personal details given will not be passed on. 

How can I find out what is happening to an incident I reported?

When you report an incident to ARCH you will be given a unique reference number. If you give this number to any of the organisations that provide support to you, they will be able to give you more information. If there are any problems with this you can email ARCH on sunderlandarch@sunderland.gov.uk