Hate Crime

Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021

Police Scotland guidance

What is hate crime?

This is defined as: Any crime which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated (wholly or partly) by malice or ill will towards a social group.

There are five groups or protected characteristics covered by the hate crime legislation.

  • Disability
  • Race
  • Religion or belief
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Transgender Identity

What does this mean?

If someone targets you, or someone else, because of a dislike or prejudice of your disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity then you should report this to the police as a hate crime.

The person experiencing the hate crime does not always need to be in one of these groups.  We would look at why the act or offence was committed. We also look at the perception of the people involved. 

Police Scotland treats all hate crimes and incidents seriously. We want you to report these types of incidents to us.

Why are hate crimes different?

Hates crimes can have a huge impact on people. They have been targeted because of who they are, or who the offender thinks they are. The attack is very personal.

Reporting Hate Crime

  • Report online to Police Scotland 
  • Visit local police station - in an emergency call 999
  • Call Fife Council on 03451 550022 or the police non-emergency phone number outwith these times on 101
  • Contact Citizens Advice Scotland
  • Through a Third Party Reporting Centre
  • Local Hate Crime Third Party Reporting centres:
    • Fife Centre for Equalities, New Volunteer House, 16 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1XT. Tel: 01592 645310
    • Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau, Dundee Central Library, Wellgate Centre, Dundee DD1 1DB. Tel: 01382 307494
    • Dundee Voluntary Action, 10 Constitution Road, Dundee DD1 1LL. Tel: 01382 305744 
  • University Report and Support tool