Hate Crimes

Even though only a small number of countries specify hate crimes in their own laws, there is an international consensus about the definition of the term ‘hate crime’.  All acts of violence motivated by prejudice against a person’s race, ethnicity, national or territorial origins, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ideology, social conditions, or mental or physical disability are considered hate crimes.

 Hate crimes differ from other crimes because not only are they directed to an individual person but also to a determined group with specific characteristics. Therefore, the targeted group who experiences hate crimes do not have a sense that they are so welcomed in the host country or that they are secure in their own neighborhoods, communities, schools and workplaces. Normally, the perpetrator of hate crimes has the intent to threat or send a message of hate to the entire community, leaving members of a targeted community to collectively feel insecure and fearful.

Many complaints or reports arrive daily to APAV from persons who are victims of hate crimes. A variety of them are related to discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, nationality, gender identity, and ideologies or beliefs. There are many more stories, and all of the victim support workers work hard together to find the best way to support these victims.