How to deal with racial harassment

This advice from the Home Office outlines how to deal with racial harassment

What is racial harassment?
Racial harassment is interpreted as any incident where the victim or any other person (such as a witness or police officer) believes the attacker had a racial motive. Racial harassment includes:

  • Assaults of any kind
  • Written/verbal threats or insults
  • Damage to property
  • Offensive graffiti
    These incidents can happen anywhere - at home, at work, at school or on the streets. If you are a victim of a racial attack or abuse, or witness an incident, report it immediately to the police. If an offence is committed and the offender is caught, provided there is sufficient evidence, the police can prosecute. Alternatively, you may take action in the civil courts or try to obtain damages or an order to stop the offender repeating the behaviour.

    Protecting your family

    At home
    If you are threatened in your home or see anything suspicious nearby, dial 999 and ask for the police. If you are a council tenant you should also report all incidents to the local authority housing department. Make sure your home is secure. If you feel at risk you can:

  • Replace broken windows with laminated glass.
  • Consider fitting a fireproof-lidded container to your letterbox.

    On the street

  • If you have been attacked ring the police immediately. Any details you remember will help with the investigation of your complaint. Click for personal safety tips

    At school
    Children don't always tell their parents about racial harassment, as they don't want to worry them. Therefore you need to be aware and look for signs that things are not right. Where other children in the school are involved, report the incident to the head teacher first. You can also contact the local education authority and the police.

    At work
    The Race Relations Act 1976 makes it illegal to discriminate against any employee on racial grounds.

  • Report any incident at work to your employer and union representative. Keep a record of the time, the place and what was said. This is especially important if the harassment is persistent. You may also be able to get help from your local Racial Equality Council or the Commission for Racial Equality.
  • If your own business is the target of a racial incident call the police. They can also give you general advice on how to make your premises more secure.