The University of Essex is a Hate Incident Reporting Centre, this means we offer anyone who has experienced or witnessed a hate crime / incident the opportunity to report it if they would prefer not to report it to the police.
Hate Incident Reporting Centres are locations where victims of a hate incident may choose to report an incident and have control over the nature of the report, the type of investigation and support they need.
In addition to reporting the incident on our Report and Support platform, the following support is available:
Student support at the University of Essex:
You can attend our Wellbeing Drop-In at all 3 campuses which is staffed by Wellbeing Assessors who work for the Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service, further information on how to access Drop In can be found here.
Our Wellbeing Assessors can give you a listening ear and signpost you to appropriate services. If you would feel more comfortable with a telephone or Zoom appointment, you can request this via our online appointment form
If you're living on campus, the Residence Life Team is available to assist you. They can offer advice, mediation, and support to address any concerns related to harassment or bullying within the residential community. You can find out more information here.
Whether you've experienced or witnessed a hate incident, SU Advice is here to offer assistance. Their skilled advisers can provide support, help you report incidents to the Police, and offer guidance on accessing other support agencies. You can find out more information here.
External Support:
Galop is a charity that offers specialized support for LGBTQ+ individuals dealing with hate crime. They provide guidance, emotional support, and help with reporting incidents. You can access resources through their website here or by calling their helpline at 0800 999 5428.
Citizens Advice provides valuable resources to aid individuals who have experienced hate incidents. Their resources offer practical steps and support to navigate the aftermath of such incidents. Find out how to get in touch with Citizens Advice here.
Victim Support offer confidential conversations, guidance on navigating the legal system, and assistance with reporting a crime or seeking compensation. Call your local Essex victim care team at 0808 17 81 694 (8am-5pm, Monday to Friday), or reach out to the Supportline at 08 08 16 89 111 for after-hours support, available 24/7. You can find out more information on their website here.
Stop Hate UK is a valuable resource for addressing hate incidents. By visiting their platform (here), you can access guidance, report hate crimes, and receive assistance tailored to your needs. You can find resources in different languages on their website here.
Colchester based:
The Outhouse provides support for those within the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Their dedicated counselling service provides a safe space to process emotions, explore coping strategies, and foster resilience which can be helpful in the aftermath of a hate incident. You can find out more information here.
Southend based:
Transpire Southend focuses on addressing and preventing hate crime, particularly related to the transgender community. You can seek advice or report an incident by contacting them via email (hca@transpiresouthend.org) or telephone (01702 668 277), you can find out more information on their website here.
Staff