What to Do If You Face Racism or Islamophobia in the UK
The sharp rise in racist and Islamophobic incidents across the UK in recent years has left many Muslims exposed to prejudice, harassment, and sometimes outright violence.
In this climate, experts stress that swift, documented and official action from the very first moment is essential — not only to protect individual rights, but to ensure perpetrators are held to account.
This guide by Arab in UK (AUK) outlines the key legal and procedural steps to take if you are targeted because of your faith or ethnicity — whether on the street, at work, or online.
1. Prioritise Your Safety
If you believe you are in immediate danger or that a crime is under way, call the police on 999.
For non-urgent situations, contact 101 or submit a report through your local police website.
When incidents occur on trains or at stations, you can reach the British Transport Police (BTP) by texting 61016 or through their online reporting form.
2. Understanding What Constitutes a Hate Crime
UK law defines a hate crime as any criminal act motivated by hostility or prejudice towards one of five protected characteristics: race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Both religion and belief are recognised as protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, which prohibits discrimination in employment, education, housing, and access to public services.
Where an offence is driven by racial or religious hatred, courts may impose harsher sentences under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
3. Preserve Every Piece of Evidence
Record the incident in as much detail as possible — including the time, location, and any witnesses.
If the attack occurred online, take screenshots of messages or posts before they are deleted.
If you suffered physical or psychological harm, obtain a medical report.
You are entitled to request CCTV footage through a Subject Access Request (SAR) from the business or organisation responsible for the cameras, provided it is done before the recording is erased.
4. How and Where to Report
Police (England & Wales)
Use the national True Vision – Report It platform to file a report and obtain an official reference number.
The Metropolitan Police also offers dedicated pages for hate-crime reporting, including online abuse and transport-related cases.
For incidents on trains, text 61016 to the British Transport Police.
Islamophobia-Specific Reporting
Tell MAMA UK monitors anti-Muslim hate incidents, providing psychological support, legal guidance and direct coordination with the police.
Emotional and Legal Support for Victims
Victim Support offers free and confidential assistance 24 hours a day across England and Wales.
5. If It Happens at Work
Should you experience discrimination or harassment at your workplace because of your religion or ethnicity:
- File an internal grievance with your employer.
- Begin early conciliation through ACAS — a mandatory step before any legal claim.
- If unresolved, you may take your case to an Employment Tribunal within three months minus one day of the last incident.
6. If It Involves Services, Education or Housing
Under Section 29 of the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful for any service provider to discriminate against a person on the basis of race or religion.
Start with a formal complaint to the organisation concerned. If the matter remains unresolved, you may seek compensation through the civil courts.
Both the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and Citizens Advice provide detailed guidance on how to prepare such claims.
7. Information to Include in Your Report
When reporting, include:
- Location and time of the incident
- Description of what happened
- Exact words or actions used
- Impact on you — emotional, physical, or financial
- Evidence (screenshots, videos, witnesses, medical reports, CCTV)
- Request that the event be officially recorded as a hate crime and that you receive a crime reference number
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I report anonymously?
Yes — through Crimestoppers. However, direct reporting allows better follow-up and support.
Do online incidents count?
They do. Online abuse can be classified as a hate crime when racial or religious hostility is evident.
What about “non-crime hate incidents”?
Some forces, including the Metropolitan Police, now prioritise prosecutable offences while still logging non-criminal reports for intelligence purposes.
If you experience racism or Islamophobia in the UK, report it, record it, and retain your evidence.
The law is unequivocal: religion and race are protected characteristics, and hostility towards them constitutes a criminal offence.
At work, act promptly within the three-month deadline, and seek early conciliation through ACAS before proceeding to tribunal.
Useful Resources
- Report Hate Crime – GOV.UK
- Tell MAMA UK
- Victim Support
- Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
- Equality Act 2010 – Full Legislation
- ACAS – Discrimination at Work
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