A hate crime is any offence committed against a person or their property motivated by the offender's hatred of that particular person or group of people because they are seen as being different.

The offender may have targeted you because of your:

• race
• religion
• sexuality
• gender identity
• disability

A hate incident is defined as being any incident – it may not may not be a criminal offence - which is believed by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate.

Hate crime can be particularly nasty, confusing and frightening because someone may be persistently targeting you either with insults, threats or physical attacks.

There may also be difficulties in reporting such incidents because of language or cultural barriers or other vulnerabilities but be assured that we can and will do everything we can to help you and where possible prosecute offenders.

Hate crime cannot, should not and will not be tolerated in Norfolk and we would encourage you to contact us if you are being targeted or if you know of someone else who is a victim.

In an emergency dial 999 or contact us on 0845 456 4567. We can help.

For more information about helping you cope with the effects of crime, please visit Victim Support website.