How to Report
Reporting ensures incidents are documented and addressed by the appropriate authorities. This page outlines when to report, available reporting channels, and what to expect—so the process is clear, informed, and accessible.
When You Should Report
Harassment or Abuse Directed at Someone
Words, actions, or threats aimed at a person because of their faith or identity.
This can happen in person, online, or through messages and may be repeated or sustained.
Discrimination in Services or Access
Being denied employment, housing, education, or services because of religion or appearance.
This includes unfair treatment by institutions or workplaces.
Violence or Property Damage
Assault, vandalism, or destruction of property motivated by religious hatred.
This includes attacks on people, homes, schools, or places of worship.
Emergency vs
Non-Emergency Situations
Some situations require immediate response to protect safety. Others should be documented so patterns can be addressed. Both are important, and both matter. If you are unsure, prioritize your safety first. When immediate danger is not present, documenting what happened helps ensure the incident is not dismissed or forgotten.
Situation is Escalating
⎯⎯⎯⎯
Assaulting Muslims, assaulting women wearing hijab, threats of violence, active attacks.
⎯⎯⎯⎯
Vandalizing mosques, homes, schools, Islamophobic graffiti, destruction of religious property.
(If Ongoing or Dangerous)
⎯⎯⎯⎯
Being called a “terrorist,” verbal insults, name-calling, repeated in-person harassment.
(If Escalating or Threatening)
⎯⎯⎯⎯
Cyberbullying, hate speech targeting individuals, collecting and posting personal information.
(If Threats are Present)
⎯⎯⎯⎯
Being denied work, fired due to religious attire, blocked from prayer, denied access to services.
⎯⎯⎯⎯
Being ignored, excluded from group settings, or sidelined because of identity.
⎯⎯⎯⎯
False portrayals of Islam, stereotypes shared online or in public discourse.
⎯⎯⎯⎯
Anti-Muslim or anti-immigration protests, organized campaigns targeting Muslims.
(If Unsafe)
Your Reporting Options
Police
When to Report to the Police
For situations involving immediate danger, criminal acts, or serious threats.
⮑ Someone is in immediate danger
⮑ Physical violence or assault
⮑ Vandalism or damage to property
⮑ Credible threats of harm
Police assess the report and determine next steps based on the situation. Follow-up depends on the nature of the incident and available evidence.
⮑ Emergency: Call 9-1-1
⮑ Peel Regional Police Online Reporting
⮑ Toronto Police Service Report a Crime
Online Reporting
When to Report Online
For documenting incidents that are not emergencies and do not require immediate police response.
⮑ Harassment or verbal abuse
⮑ Hate speech or threats online
⮑ Repeated incidents over time
⮑ Misinformation or harmful stereotypes
Reports help create records and identify patterns. Some platforms may provide follow-up resources or referrals.
Community or
Advocacy Organizations
When to Use Community or
Advocacy Organizations
For guidance, support, and help navigating reporting options.
⮑ You are unsure where to report
⮑ You want advice before contacting authorities
⮑ You want support alongside documentation
Organizations can help you understand your options, document experiences, and connect you to appropriate reporting channels. They do not replace police or government reporting.
What Information Helps When Reporting
You do not need every detail to report. Start with what you remember. You can add more later.
Where
When and where did the incident happen?
The date and time of the incident. An estimate is enough if you are unsure.
The location where it happened. This could be a street, building, school, workplace, or online platform.
Is there anything that can help you substantiate your report?
Anything that supports your account. Photos, videos, screenshots, messages, or witness details.
Providing more detail helps incidents be assessed, documented, and understood over time.
Who was there and what happened?
The people involved. Names if known, or descriptions if not.
What happened, described in your own words. Focus on what you experienced or witnessed.
What Matters Most When You’re Thinking About Reporting
Your safety comes first. You control how much information you share and with whom. Confidentiality options and protections can be discussed before you decide to proceed.
Often, yes. Many police services and community organizations accept anonymous reports. While anonymity can limit follow-up, it still contributes to documentation and pattern recognition.
Uncertainty is common. If something felt wrong, harmful, or targeted, that is enough reason to reach out. You do not need to label it correctly. Advocates and reporting channels can help assess what happened.
Yes. In some cases, witnesses, family members, or community advocates can help submit or support a report, especially if you are not ready to do it alone.
Yes. Past incidents still matter. Reporting later can help establish patterns and provide context for ongoing concerns.
Initial reports can often be submitted quickly. What happens next depends on the type of incident and the reporting channel. Some cases move fast, others take time.
Lack of immediate response does not mean your report had no impact. Reports contribute to records and trends. You can follow up or seek support from advocacy organizations if you need guidance on next steps.
That choice is yours. Documenting what happened for yourself can still be helpful. You can return to reporting when and if you feel ready.
