Definition
What is a hate incident?
All members of the University community have the right to work, study and live without fear of harassment, bullying, intimidation, abuse, or violent behaviour.
Hate crime has been defined by the Association of Chief Police Officers and Crown Prosecution Service as:
"Any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice, based on a person's disability or perceived disability; race or perceived race; or religion or perceived religion; or sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation or transgender identity or perceived transgender identity."
Hate incidents can include but are not limited to: verbal abuse like name-calling, harassment, physical attacks, threats of violence, online abuse (for example on Facebook or Twitter), harm or damage to property, abusive phone or text messages or hate mail.
Support
If you or someone you know has experienced a hate crime or hate incident, support is available at the University and by external support services.
Support available at the University
Student Welfare Team
The Student Welfare Team are experienced in supporting students who have experienced a hate incident, amongst other welfare related support.
The team works with students who are having difficulties functioning or continuing their studies for non-academic reasons. They are able to speak with you in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space and they can support you in finding the appropriate support.
When you report an incident with your contact details, the Student Welfare Team will contact you within three working days.
OBU Counselling Services
Tailored support is available to all enrolled Brookes students – of whatever age, gender, religion and beliefs, nationality, ethnic origin, gender identity and sexual orientation. The aim of our Counselling Service is to provide you with the support that we think best suits your needs and is most readily available. To help us do this, we operate a triage ‘assessment of needs’ system, where you may be asked to complete online clinical measures. This helps us assess your needs.
Brookes Union Advice Service
The Brookes Union Advice Service can provide you with independent advice on the options available to you, whether you are thinking about reporting to the police or the university. You can phone them on 01865 484770 or email them at su.advice@brookes.ac.uk.
The opening times can be found on the Brookes Union Advice Services' website.
Other support available
Community Security Trust - Reporting antisemitic incidents
If you have experienced or have information about an antisemitic incident, you can report the incident to the Community Security Trust (CST). The CST also offers support to victims.
Tel: 020 8457 9999
Email: incidents@cst.org.uk
Galop, the LGBT+ anti-violence charity
If you have experienced homophobia, transphobia or biphobia, Galop can offer support and advice. They can also support you to report a hate crime.
Galop also support lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system.
Tel: 020 7704 2040
Email: referrals@galop.org.uk
Samaritans
Someone to listen 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can talk to the Samaritans about any thoughts or feelings you have, they won't tell you what to do.
Tel: 116 123 (Freephone)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Tell MAMA (Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks)
If you experienced a hate incident because of your Muslim faith or perceived Muslim faith, you can report an incident to Tell MAMA. They can also refer you to support services.
You can submit your report and provide contact details online.
Victim Support
If you have experienced a hate crime, you can contact Victim Support for free and confidential help. They can explain the options available to you and give you emotional support. The Supportline operates 24/7.
Tel: 0808 1689 111 (Freephone)
Request support online or email the Supportline.
Report
The University takes a zero-tolerance approach to any form of harassment, hate incident, bullying or victimisation and expects all members of the University community to treat each other with dignity and respect.
Report online
If you report an incident with your contact details, the Student Welfare Team will contact you within 3 working days. The team works with students who are having difficulties functioning or continuing their studies for non-academic reasons. They are able to speak with you in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space and they can support you in finding the appropriate service.
We understand that you may not wish to disclose your identity, so you also have the option to report anonymously. Anonymous reports provide statistical information, which will be used to inform our proactive and preventative work on addressing unwanted behaviours across the University community.
Formal procedures
If your report involves a staff member
Please submit a complaint using the Complaints and Appeals Form. In accordance with the Complaints and Appeals Procedures, complaints must be submitted within 2 months of the last claimed act or omission. The Student Disputes Team will confirm receipt of your complaint within 5 working days and you will have the opportunity to discuss the complaint with a Student Disputes Officer. Details of the procedure can be found on the Student Complaint Procedure pages.
If your report involves other students
You will need to initiate the Student Conduct Procedure. In accordance with the Student Conduct Regulations, the procedure must be initiated within 5 working days of the discovery of the potential breach of the Student Conduct Regulations. Examples of behaviours which are regarded as misconduct and time-frames can be found within the Student Conduct Regulations and Procedure.