A message from Ruth Taylor (Vice-Principal Education) and Nick Edwards (Deputy Director of People - student advice and support) on support and help for victims of hate crime
The National Hate Crime Awareness Week is a national week of action running from 14th – 21st October. It encourages local authorities, key partners and communities affected by hate crime to work together to tackle local hate crime issues. You can find out more about this week on the National Hate Crime Awareness website or Twitter
What is hate crime?
Hate crime is behaviour which is both criminal and rooted in prejudice. It can be verbal or physical. Hate negatively impacts on people, communities and on wider society. For those affected, the damage can have a long-lasting effect.
Current hate crime laws cover any existing offence motivated by prejudice relating to race, religion, disability, sexual orientation and transgender identity. Inciting racial hatred and racially motivated harassment are existing standalone hate crime offences.
Hate crimes can be committed against a person or property. Anyone could be a victim of a hate crime even if they aren’t a member of the group that the hostility is targeted at.
The University of Aberdeen is dedicated to implementing a bold Antiracism Strategy and creating a culture of inclusion where all our staff and students feel welcome and safe. Hate crime will not be tolerated at the University of Aberdeen.
Where can I get support and help?
If you have witnessed or have been a victim of hate crime, stop it by reporting it!
The University is a Third-Party Reporting Centre, and our trained staff can help you to report a hate crime incident to the Police. Please contact our Human Resources Team hr@abdn.ac.uk or Student Support student.support@abdn.ac.uk
You can directly contact Police Scotland by dialling 999 or by using their online form. Click here for more information.
More information about hate crime and how to report it can be found here
Best wishes
Ruth & Nick
Ruth Taylor
Vice-Principal Education
Nick Edwards
Deputy Director of People (Student advice and support)