Threats, violence and hate incidents

Put safety first, preserve evidence and report the facts to the competent authority.

Get to safety

If life, health or safety is in immediate danger, call 112 and give the location, what is happening and whether anyone is injured. Follow the operator’s instructions and move to a safe place if possible. Do not confront an aggressor or put yourself at risk to obtain evidence. For a past incident without immediate danger, use the ordinary reporting route.

Record the facts safely

As soon as safe, write down the place, time, sequence of events and exact threatening or hostile words. Keep original messages, links, account names and screenshots with dates. Note witnesses and preserve relevant medical documentation if you received care. Tell the authority about possible cameras promptly; do not try to access someone else’s systems or circulate sensitive images publicly.

Report to police or a prosecutor

Describe the incident to police or the prosecutor and explain any possible connection to nationality, ethnic origin, religion or another targeted characteristic. You do not need to choose the correct criminal-law provision yourself. The authority assesses the legal classification. Read the record carefully, request corrections and explain any language difficulties before signing a document you do not understand.

Keep confirmation and follow up

Ask for confirmation or a case reference, how to provide additional evidence and information about your rights and language assistance. Retain decisions and envelopes or delivery confirmations so an adviser can check possible remedies and deadlines. Reporting an incident does not guarantee prosecution or a particular outcome. RPO or legal aid can help explain further options alongside the criminal procedure.

Editorial summary checked against official sources: 2026-10-26

• Immediate threats to life, health and safety: 112
• RPO application: channels, required information and competence