- 2,230 hate crime referrals were made to Victim Support's Welsh service between April 2024 and March 2025 – a 12.6% increase on the previous year.
- Over 50% of all referrals in the past two years were related to race-based hate.
- Referrals related to sexual orientation and disability also rose significantly year-on-year.
As Hate Crime Awareness Week begins, Victim Support is urging leaders and communities across Wales to take a stand against hate, as new figures reveal a sharp rise in people seeking help through its dedicated hate crime service.
The charity's Wales Hate Support Centre, launched in 2014, offers free, confidential support in English and Welsh to anyone affected by hate crimes or incidents, whether or not they've reported it to the police.
Newly released figures show that 2,230 hate crime referrals were made to the service between April 2024 and March 2025 – a 12.6% increase on the previous year. Over 50% of all referrals in the past two years were related to race-based hate, while referrals related to sexual orientation and disability also rose significantly year-on-year. This is the first time these figures have been published, highlighting the growing demand for support across Wales.
Becca Rosenthal, Hate Crime Lead at Victim Support, said:
"Hate crime is on the rise, and we're seeing the impact of that every day. Behind every statistic is a person who has been targeted simply for who they are, whether that's their race, religion, disability, sexuality or gender identity.
"Our service has been supporting victims in Wales for over a decade, and we know how devastating these crimes can be. There should be no place for hate in Wales, and it's vital leaders across Wales recognise the harm it does and stand against it. We're here to listen, to support, and to help people rebuild their lives, and we want everyone to know they don't have to face hate alone."
Hate crime can be particularly traumatic because it targets a person's identity, who they are or who they are perceived to be. Victims often experience intense emotional and psychological effects, including fear, anxiety, depression, and loss of confidence. It can also lead to isolation, financial hardship and, in some cases, force people to move home or leave their communities altogether.
One man supported by the service described how his family endured three years of escalating abuse after moving to a new community to accommodate his wife's disability. The abuse included intimidation, verbal attacks and even physical violence. With support from Victim Support, the family were able to relocate and rebuild their lives.
The man, who is not named to protect his identity, said:
"These perpetrators were ganging up on us as a family – it was deeply upsetting. It got worse and worse. In the end, we put our names down to be moved from the house.
"Victim Support were absolutely amazing – they supported us for a whole year and helped us to get new housing. If it wasn't for them, I don't think the police would have taken me and my wife seriously."
Victim Support's Hate Crime Service in Wales is independent, trauma-informed and available 24/7. Victim Support are urging anyone who has experienced hate crime in Wales to contact our specialist service for help, advice and support. Our services are available regardless of whether victims have reported to the police or when the crime took place.
Help is available via the Wales Hate Support Centre by calling 0300 30 31 982, using the live chat service, or reporting online at reporthate.victimsupport.org.uk. If you or someone you know has experienced hate crime or a hate incident, don't stay silent, reach out and get the support you deserve.