Regular government and police reports show that ethnic minorities suffer more from attacks purely motivated by racism than other groups. Some of these are very serious, with people being killed or badly injured. One of the best known cases was Stephen Lawrence, a black teenager from Greenwich in London, waiting at a bus stop. He was stabbed to death by a group of five young white men who had never seen him before. No-one was brought to justice for this murder, and it made black people in the area feel less safe and reduced their faith in the police to protect them.

Sometimes it's people's houses that are attacked, or their places of worship.

The British Crime Survey in 2003 estimated that black and Asian people were between three and four times more likley to racially attacked than white people.

More young people get harassed than older ones. People who live in areas where there are few other minorities are more likely to report being harassed than people who live in more mixed areas. The main minority ethnic groups all reported a similar amount of harassment.

The British Crime Survey in 2003 worked out that about 200,000 black and Asian people are harassed every year, by workmates, neighbours, but most often by strangers. Usually the people doing the harassing are male.

In 1998 the Government introduced higher penalties for harassment and assault with a racial motive.

If you are being racially harassed, either physically or with words, the person doing it is probably breaking the law. Don't suffer in silence. Contact your local Racial Equality Council if there is one (if not, contact the Commission for Racial Equality in London. Contact the police too, with a friend for support. You can also phone the victim supportline Tel: 0845 3030 900. If you're scared and feel you have no-one to turn to, phone ChildLine on 0800 1111, it's free.

If you're experiencing racist bullying at school, have a look at this government website for loads of advice.