Hate Crime

KHT has a specific Harassment and Hate Crime Policy and Procedures. KHT’s definition takes into account legislation and best practice and defines Hate Crime as:

"…any behaviour that is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hatred because of a particular characteristic of that person."

This includes, gender, religious belief, age, disability, ethnicity origin and sexuality. Harassment of people for being transgender will be considered hate crime under the category of gender.

KHT take a victim centred approach, where we will focus on supporting the victim and making them feel believed and listened to. The person reporting the harassment or hate crime will be treated sensitively, courteously and respectfully at all times, and we will provide interpretation services where relevant via Language Line.

KHT work in partnership with other agencies in tackling Harassment and Hate Crime. These agencies include Knowsley Borough Council and the Police, plus a range of statutory and community agencies dealing with specific issues. Staff are able to access details of such organisations via the Council’s “Victim Support Directory” and provide signposting or referrals where necessary.

Service Standards
• Complainants will receive a response from the relevant Housing or Tenancy Enforcement Officer within one working day from when the complaint.
• We will ensure any offensive graffiti is removed within 24 hours of the incident.

Useful contacts
Hate Incident and Domestic Violence Hotline - 0800 953 4433.

Stop Hate UK (a voluntary independent charity) - 0800 138 1625

Merseyside Police has Hate Crime Investigation Units called SIGMA - 0151 709 6010.