HATE CRIMES

 The most violent acts against people, property, and organizations because of the group to which they belong to or identify with.

"...Until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream."
by Martin Luther King Jr.

 


Hate crimes are those motivated by bias and hate, in which victims are targeted because of real or perceived differences of specific characteristics. They differ from other forms of violence because they not only victimize the target, but also every member of the group in which they represent. It is through these incidents of xenophobia that victims suffer emotional damages.

 SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS OF WHY THESE CRIMES ARE COMMITTED

VICTIMS OF HATE:

 Race  Disability
 Religion  Ethnicity
 Sexual Orientation  National Oigin
 Gender  Economy

Hate crimes are message crimes. The offender is sending a message to a certain group pr person that they are unwelcome or are seen as "different". Hate crimes are crimes committed by individuals against individuals, although they involve groups with extremist beliefs. Hate crimes tend to be more violent and severe than other types of crimes. Hate crimes are rarely planned, they are usually spur-of-the-moment impulses, shocking and message is always clear.

WHO COMMITS HATE CRIMES?

Hate crimes are thought to be committed by crazed maniacs, but in actuallity they are committed by law-abiding citizens who see little wrong with their actions and who are blinded by their hatred. Alcohol and drugs sometimes help fuel these crimes, but the main reason is personal prejudice. It is through prejudice that one is blinded by their immortality of what they are doing.

 WHAT IS THE EMOTIONAL DAMAGE?

 POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS

 VULNERABILITY  ANGER
 DEPRESSION  PHYSICAL AILMENTS
 LEARNING PROBLEMS  DIFFICULT INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS

 CAN WE PUT A STOP TO HATE CRIMES?
  • Support federal antidiscrimination laws, statutes, and regulations that ensure full legal protection against discrimination and hate motivated violence.
  • Increase support of the Community Relations Service (CRS).
  • Support programs that offer trainings for police and victim assistance professionals on early intervention techniques that help hate crime victims better cope.
  • Educate and encourage the citizens, communities, everybody.
  • Stop hating.

 

"LETS STOP THE HATE AND INCREASE THE LOVE!"

- J. Mitchell 01'

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Community Relations Service

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