The Importance of Reporting Hate Crimes

Hate is one of the most disturbing reasons for crime, which impacts our whole society. Unchecked hate crime fractures communities and breeds resentment between social groups, so reporting it is vital. Read on to find out more about hate crime and why you should always report it.

What is a hate crime?

A hate crime is any criminal act motivated by prejudice against certain social groups. Characteristics targeted by hate crime include race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion and disability. The most common hate crimes are assault and vandalism, but any criminal act can be a hate crime – it is defined by the motivation. Victims do not always actually belong to the social group that the perpetrator wanted to commit the hate crime against, and a crime is still considered a hate crime so long as it was committed because the perpetrator perceived the victim to be from a certain group.

Why is it important to report hate crimes?

Accurate statistics

Every year, government and law enforcement use crime statistics to focus their crime-stopping efforts in the most significant places. These statistics are only helpful if they provide a true picture of crime happening in Bermuda. Even if you think a crime had minimal impact, it is important to report it.

Justice

Hate crimes are incredibly personal and upsetting. Everyone deserves to feel safe, and those that disturb this peace deserve to be punished. This can help bring closure to victims and prevent hate-motivated criminals from reoffending, while sending a message to other potential hateful criminals.

Protect vulnerable communities

Victims of hate crimes are often among the most vulnerable in our society. Even if someone just looks as though they are a part of a social group, they may be targeted. Reporting hate crimes ensures that these communities can be protected by law enforcement. People with hostility towards one social group often also have prejudice towards another, so reporting one incident helps prevent them from attacking other communities.

Keep our streets safe

Every crime can be a slippery slope to other crimes, especially if the criminal gets away with it. Even non-violent crimes like vandalism create an environment in which criminals can feel more confident in committing crime. Reporting crime as it happens prevents crime levels from rising for everyone, not just those immediately affected.

Increase inclusion

When social groups know that our society does not stand for hate crime, it increases inclusion within the local community. This helps to foster a multicultural society in which everyone can feel safe and respected. It also prevents more people from growing up prejudiced, as they are more likely to witness positive interactions between different social groups.

Report crime anonymously

If you have witnessed a hate crime and want to come forward without sharing your identity, you can contact Crime Stoppers Bermuda. By using our online form and phone line, you ensure that your tip will reach law enforcement with no identifying information.

Phone 800-8477 or use our online form to report information anonymously.