Report an incident of discrimination, harassment or unacceptable behaviour
Hate crime and hate incidents
“Devon has always been a welcoming and inclusive county. As a new administration, these are values that we hold dear. Hate crimes or divisiveness is unacceptable in any form. In these troubling times, we must work to bring all our communities together and resist those who seek to divide us. We can achieve so much when we are as one.’
Julian Brazil, Leader of Devon County Council October 2025
#ZeroTolerance2Hate
Everyone deserves to live with security, confidence and respect, free to thrive at home, at work, and in public spaces. Devon County Council is committed to ensuring that all residents can live their lives in peace and with dignity.
In September 2025, the Council adopted a zero tolerance to hate crime stance. Hate crimes have no place in our communities, and we will do all we can to prevent them. We are proud to represent a vibrant and diverse county, and we reaffirm that every person is a valued member of our society.
To help keep everyone safe, Devon County Council works in partnership with the police and other agencies to raise awareness of hate crime and encourage reporting. We understand the deep harm that prejudice-related crimes and incidents cause, not only to victims, but also to their families, friends, and the wider community.
As a public authority, we are bound by the Public Sector Equality Duty (Part 11 of the Equality Act 2010), which includes a responsibility to foster good community relations by tackling prejudice and promoting understanding. Through the Safer Devon Partnership, we are actively working to challenge hate crime and support victims across the county.We will continue to use our website, social media and public noticeboards to share information about support services available to victims of hate crime, and to promote activities that build a safer, more inclusive Devon.
Reporting Hate Crime and Hate Incidents
Devon and Cornwall Police encourage reports of all hate crimes and incidents and are keen for these to be reported at the earliest opportunity. The Police urge communities, key networks and independent advisors to work with them to report incidents and ensure that anyone who may be a victim of such unwanted behaviour will receive the help and support they need.
To report an incident or crime you can use the following routes:
Emergency
Telephone: 999
SMS/Text: 999 – if you are Deaf/hard of hearing or speech impaired.
Non Emergency
Telephone: 101
SMS/Text: 67101 – if you are Deaf/hard of hearing or speech impaired.
If you, or anyone you know, has been a victim of a Hate Crime then please report it.
Too many hate crimes go unreported, leaving the offenders free to commit similar crimes again, whether against you or other members of our community. We understand that you might feel nervous about reporting it, but your information is vital to help us eliminate Hate Crimes.
Even if you don’t want it to go to court – please report it.
Even if you don’t want to give your name – please report it. You can remain anonymous if you want and give as much or as little information as you wish. What you tell us will help to provide a true picture of what is happening within our community.
A Hate Crime is any criminal offence where the victim or anyone else (e.g. a witness) believes that the victim has been targeted because of their:
disability
race, nationality or ethnic identity
religion/ belief
gender identity
sexual orientation
age
It is worth noting that this list is not exclusive: some people may be victims of hate crime because of other identifying features. Sophie Lancaster, for example, was picked on, attacked and murdered in 2007 because of the way she was dressed.
Hate Crime can include:
verbal abuse
physical assault
threatening behaviour
offensive graffiti
harassment
malicious communications by phone, text, email or social media
damage to property and violence
Hate Incidents are incidents motivated by prejudice which have caused alarm or distress to the victim but which fall short of being a criminal offence.
Cyberbullying is on the increase and it is important that you know what to do if you, or someone you know, becomes a victim of abuse via phone, text, email or social networking.
Cyberbullies often feel anonymous and safely distanced from an incident when it takes place online.
If you, or someone you know, has been a victim, please report it.
Although there is a lot of material on the internet that some people find offensive, the majority of it is not breaking any laws. We have to find a way to achieve a balance between maintaining our freedom of expression and protecting people from Hate Crime.
However, In England and Wales it can be an offence to stir up (incite) hatred on the grounds of:
Race
Religion and belief
Sexual Orientation
Further guidance on what you can do about online hate material.
National Hate Crime Awareness Week takes place during October and the County Council supports and publicises events in partnership with the Police and Voluntary/Community Sector. But we also plan to continue raising awareness throughout the year so that it remains at the forefront of people’s minds.
Use #ZeroTolerance2Hate on Twitter.
Reporting Direct and Indirect Discrimination
Direct or Indirect Discrimination (including harassment) arises where a service, organisation, or employer treats someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic of age, gender identity or sex, disability, pregnancy/maternity, race/ethnicity, religion/belief or sexual orientation. Find out more on report an incident.
