Hate crimes hurt individuals and communities, and reporting it allows the University and the police to better understand and deal with what is happening.
Hate incidents and hate crime are acts of violence or hostility against a person or property that is motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person due to a particular characteristic. This could be a disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, transgender identity or an alternative sub-culture hate crime. A victim does not have to be a member of the group at which the hostility is targeted. In fact, anyone could be a victim of a hate crime.
Hate incidents and crimes include bullying, harassment and sexual harassment which are contrary to the Equality Act 2010 and the University’s Respect@SOAS Policy. Find out more about bullying and harassment and sexual harassment.
Think
- Are you in immediate danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can call 999 (or 112 from a mobile).
- Find a safe space. If an incident has just happened try and find somewhere you feel safe. If this isn't possible and are on campus you can call security on extension 555 from the internal black phones located by the photocopiers in reception or on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th floors. Alternatively visit the 24 hour security desk in the Brunei Gallery.
- What is a hate crime? It might be useful to think about what hate crime is and how some of the behaviours are described.
Talk
- To a friend. Talking things through with someone you trust can sometimes help.
- Dignity Advisors. An advisor can talk through the University's procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
- SOAS SU Student Advice Centre.They provide an academic and welfare service that is confidential, free and independent of the University. They aim to give practical advice and advocacy to all SOAS Students.
Report
- To the Police If you want to report directly to the police you can call the police Community Safety Unit (CSU) on 020 8733 6443. The CSU investigates all hate crime reports.
- Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously.
- University Procedure. If you choose to make a formal complaint to the University against a student or a member of staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
Get Support
Mental Health and Wellbeing
1 in 4 people is affected by a mental health problem in any year and it is estimated that around 1 in 5 people has contemplated suicide or self-harm.
- Find out more about the support available for mental health and wellbeing
- Take care of yourself. It’s important that you take care of yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, the University's Student Advice and Wellbeing offers confidential help.