The Hate Incident Support Service has been set up by West Sussex County Council Harm Reduction Team and Victim Support Sussex, a charity offering free, confidential information and support to victims and witnesses of crime.

The service is designed to:

Provide victims with one-to-one emotional and practical support.

Provide support in Magistrates and Crown Courts where appropriate.

Reduce repeat victimisation.

Promote and enable social inclusion.

Collect data about incidents so preventative action can be taken.

Beverly Knight, Harm Reduction Team Co-ordinator, said hate incidents and crime may include name-calling, assault, harassment, offensive literature, graffiti, criminal damage and threats of violence.

"Hate incidents and crimes occur where it is believed the victim has been targeted because of their actual or perceived race/ethnicity, religion/belief, gender identity, disability or sexual orientation," she said.

Anyone experiencing or witnessing a hate crime or incident can report it, in confidence, by using the Hate Incident Reporting Form developed by the Hate Incident Support Service.

Reports can be made by:

Completing the form online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/harmreduction

emailing SussexHateIncidentReport@victimsupport.org.uk.

Sending a hard copy to Victim Support at PO Box 101, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 8UA.

Calling 0845 075 1021 - staffed 8am-8pm, answer phone available at other times.

Faxing 01293 536888.

Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Safety, said: "If you believe you have experienced or witnessed a hate crime or incident, don't hesitate – report it."

For further information, contact the Harm Reduction Team on 01243 382962.