Launching a new hate crime resource for EU citizens in the UK
At New Europeans UK, we work closely with EU citizens and families across the country and regularly hear about experiences of hostility, discrimination, harassment, and abuse linked to nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or identity.
Many people do not recognise these experiences as hate incidents or hate crimes under UK law. Others may feel unsure about where to turn for help, worried about reporting, or unfamiliar with the support available. For some EU citizens, hate crime is not widely discussed or consistently recognised in their countries of origin, making it even more difficult to identify or respond to.
To help address this gap, we are launching Recognise it. Report it. Get support. — a new accessible guide designed specifically for EU citizens and families living in the UK.
The resource explains:
- what hate crime and hate incidents are,
- how to recognise them,
- where to access support,
- and what steps people can take if they experience or witness abuse, harassment, or discrimination.
The leaflet was developed through our participation in a hate crime capacity-building programme delivered by Protection Approaches and informed by feedback from our community and partner organisations. Throughout this process, community members highlighted the need for practical and accessible information, greater awareness of reporting options, and more trauma-informed approaches to supporting people affected by hate.
The guide also recognises the growing impact of online hate speech and the barriers many people face when seeking help, including language barriers, fear of not being believed, distrust of institutions, and concerns linked to immigration, housing, or employment.
At New Europeans UK, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported regardless of their background or identity. We hope this resource helps individuals and communities feel more informed, empowered, and connected to the support available.
We encourage community organisations, local authorities, service providers, and partners to share the resource widely within their networks.
We would also like to thank Protection Approaches and the wider consortium of community organisations involved in this important programme.