Hate Crime - It's happening to me
Hate crimes hurt individuals and communities, and reporting them allows the University and the police to better understand and deal with what is happening.
Hate incidents and hate crime are acts of violence or hostility against a person or property that is motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person due to a particular characteristic. This could be a disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief. A victim does not have to be a member of the group at which the hostility is targeted. In fact, anyone could be a victim of a hate crime.
THINK
- Are you in immediate danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can either call our EDI Helpline on ++256 702087737 or 192
- Find a safe space. If an incident has just happened, try and find somewhere you feel safe. If this isn't possible you are scared or fearful you can contact the MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit security team on extension 133.
- What is a hate crime? It might be useful to think about what hate crime is and how some of the behaviours are described.
TALK
- To a friend – talking things through with someone you trust can sometimes help.
- Anti-Bullying and Harassment Advisors can talk through the MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit’s procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
REPORT
- Reporting to the police. You can report any hate crime to the nearest police station.
- Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can make a report with contact details. If you choose to report with contact details your submission will be reviewed by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team who will contact you to talk through the options.
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. This document provides further information.
- Grievance Procedure. If you choose to make a formal complaint to MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit about a member of staff or student there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
- Whistleblowing Policy. Whistleblowing is the disclosure of information which relates to suspected wrongdoing or dangers at work. This policy should not be used for complaints relating to your own personal circumstances, such as the way you have been treated at work. In those cases, you should use the Grievance Procedure or Equality, Diversity and Equality Policy as appropriate.
GET SUPPORT
If you are the target of a hate crime, there are a variety of support options available. LSHTM Support for Students
MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit Support for Staff and Students
- Only connect staff counselling service. A trained counsellor can meet with you to discuss any issue and all issues will be treated confidentially.
- HR Department. If you are a member of staff or manager, your HR department will be able to identify the support that’s available to you.
- Anti-Bullying and Harassment Advisors can talk through the MRCUganda's procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.