I was attacked or threatened because of who I am — who do I report it to?
Violence, threats or damage motivated by origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability is a hate crime with higher penalties, and it is under-reported — which is why reporting matters. МВР — сигнал (112): say explicitly that you believe the motive was hate, and ask for it to be recorded as such. Комисия за защита от дискриминация (КЗД) (02 807 30 30) — the equality body — supports victims, monitors how the police handle it and can take a discrimination case in parallel. Национален съвет за подпомагане и компенсация на пострадали от престъпления / 116 006 (116 006) offers free support, also if you decide not to report.
🗣️ What to say
"On [date] at [place] I was [attacked / threatened / insulted] by [description]. They said [words] which show it was because of my [origin / religion / orientation / …]. Witnesses: [names]. I want this recorded as a hate crime."
🪜 Step by step
- Safety and medical careGet out of the situation; see a doctor and ask for injuries to be documented.
- EvidencePhotos, the exact words used, witnesses' contacts, camera locations nearby.
- Report to МВР — сигналUse the words "hate crime" or "bias motive". Ask for a copy of the report and the case number.
- Tell Комисия за защита от дискриминация (КЗД)Equality bodies track these cases, support victims, and can intervene if the police do not take it seriously.
- Support: Национален съвет за подпомагане и компенсация на пострадали от престъпления / 116 006Counselling, help with the process, compensation claims — free.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
The police did not record the motive
Ask in writing for the motive to be added; involve Комисия за защита от дискриминация (КЗД). Recording the bias motive matters for the charge and for statistics.
It was online
Hate speech online is prosecutable; save screenshots with URLs and report to the platform and the police (see the online-harassment page).
I do not want to report but need help
Национален съвет за подпомагане и компенсация на пострадали от престъпления / 116 006 and community organisations support you without a report. Some countries have third-party reporting so the incident is counted anonymously.
📎 Sources
- МВР — сигнал →
- Комисия за защита от дискриминация (КЗД) →
- Национален съвет за подпомагане и компенсация на пострадали от престъпления / 116 006 →
- Национално бюро за правна помощ — гореща линия 0700 18 250 →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “report hate crime Bulgaria”
- “racist attack police report”
- “homophobic assault what to do”
- “equality body hate crime support”
- “hate speech online report Bulgaria”
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