Ayrshire College condemns hate crime in all its forms and is committed to being a safe and inclusive place. Any acts motivated by prejudice or hate against a person because of race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity is unacceptable. This is a community that thrives on respect and lives its Values of Respectful, Open and Honest, and Supportive
Nobody should have to live with the fear and anxiety that hate crime can cause. Report it.
Hate crime versus hate incident: what is the difference?
'Hate incidents' and 'hate crimes' are terms used to describe acts of violence or hostility directed at people because of who they are or who someone thinks they are. They are motivated by hostility or prejudice based on disability, race, religion, transgender identity, or sexual orientation. This can be an incident against a person or against property and includes materials posted online.
Some examples of hate incidents include:
- verbal abuse like name-calling and offensive jokes
- harassment
- bullying or intimidation by children, adults, neighbours or strangers
- physical attacks such as hitting, punching, pushing, spitting
- threats of violence
- hoax calls, abusive phone or text messages, hate mail
- online abuse, for example on Facebook or Twitter
- displaying or circulating discriminatory literature or posters
- harm or damage to things such as your home, pet, or vehicle
- graffiti
- arson
- throwing rubbish into a garden
- malicious complaints, for example over parking, smells or noise
When hate incidents become criminal offences they are known as hate crimes. A criminal offence is something that breaks the law and can include:
- assault(s)
- criminal damage
- harassment
- murder
- sexual assault
- theft
- fraud
- burglary
- hate mail
- harassment
From PC Claire Bysouth, Ayrshire College Police Liaison Officer:
“Hate crime takes many forms and can be verbal or physical. It has hugely damaging effects on victims, their families and communities, and we all must play our part to challenge it.
Ayrshire College is also a Third Party Reporting Centre where students and staff can report hate crime in a safe and familiar environment.
Police Scotland takes hate crime very seriously and will do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice. We are committed to dealing with hate crime and thoroughly investigate all reports made to us.
As the Police Liaison Officer at Ayrshire College, I am committed to raising awareness of hate crime and its effects as well as continuing to provide the appropriate support and guidance."