Hate Crime and hate incidents happen daily in NSW, but studies show they are under reported. This means that many people are experiencing hate alone.

The NSW Police Force takes all crimes seriously including hate motivated crimes. The NSW Police Force has a dedicated Engagement & Hate Crime Unit who oversights and works with all Police Area Commands and Police Districts, to investigate hate motivated incidents.

What is a hate crime?

A hate crime is any crime motivated by hate, prejudice or bias towards a person or group of people because of their:

  • Race
  • Religion or Faith
  • Ethnic/National Origin
  • Sex or Gender
  • LGBTQA+
  • Mental or Physical Disability
  • Political
  • Homelessness
  • Age (discrimination)
  • HIV/AIDS Status

What are hate incidents

When there is no crime committed, but an action is still motivated by hate, prejudice or bias, it is known as a hate incident. Both hate crimes and hate incidents are taken very seriously by the NSW Police.

When you report hate that you witness or experience, you become part of a larger movement to remove it from our society.

What you can expect from the NSW Police Force

  • Every report is taken seriously by the NSW Police Force.
  • You can expect a respectful and straightforward experience.
  • A translator will be used if required.
  • When you report to the police, they will request your details. You can choose not to provide these details at the time of reporting however, this will likely affect how police can proceed with an investigation.
  • Support services or contact with an appropriate liaison officer will be offered.
  • You will be kept informed of what happens next, your rights and the criminal process (if someone was able to be charged).

How to report a hate crime or hate incident

Call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency

Tell the police where you are and what you experienced.

Report in person at any police station.

Report online at crimestoppers.com.au or 1800 333 000.

What to do if you witness hate crime

Call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

Do not approach the offender/perpetrator

Ask the person if they are ok and listen to what they have to say.

Report in person at any police station.

Report at crimestoppers.com.au or 1800 333 000.

If you receive threatening letters/phone calls/social media content

Retain copies of the content, messages or uploads (take a screen shot if you can).

Report the person(s) directly to the platform/service provider.

Report in person at any police station.

Report serious online abuse to the eSafety Commissioner - esafety.gov.au

Why should you report it

    Your report helps to paint a larger picture of what is happening in local areas and shows patterns of behaviour that we can address.

    All reports are vital for intelligence purposes.

    Your report may assist police in stopping the behaviour before it escalates and reduce future occurrences.

Alternative Resources Options

eSafety Commissioner

If you or someone you know experiences online abuse, you can visit the eSafety Commissioner (eSafety). eSafety is Australia’s independent regulator for online safety. It educates Australians about online safety risks and helps to remove harmful content such as cyberbullyingof children and young people, adult cyber abuse, ‘revenge porn’ or image-based abuse and illegal and restricted content. Visit eSafety.gov.au to find out more on how to stay safe online and report online abuse.

Online abuse can happen on a social media site, game, app or any other online or electronic platform. It can include posts, comments, texts, messages, chats, livestreams, memes, images, videos and emails.

How to make a report to eSafety

There are different steps to follow when you make a report based on the type of abuse:

  1. If the cyberbullying or adult cyber abuse is very serious, and the service or platform does not remove the harmful content, then you can report it to eSafety for investigation.
  2. For image-based abuse or illegal and restricted content,  report to eSafety immediately.

Learn more about what eSafety can investigate, how to make a report and how to collect evidence.

Australian Human Rights Commission

They protect and promote human rights in Australia and internationally. They offer free and informal enquires and complaint service to deal with unlawful discrimination and racial and sexual harassment issues. National Information Services link below:

https://humanrights.gov.au/complaints

Anti-Discrimination NSW

They have an enquiry service that can provide you with information about discrimination. You can also lodge a complaint with them if you have experienced discrimination, sexual harassment or vilification in New South Wales.

https://antidiscrimination.nsw.gov.au

Poster

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Pamphlet

Hate Crime Policy Statement