A hate crime is one that involves violence, motivated by prejudice based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or some other bias. In short, a crime committed that is motivated by bias is a hate crime.
Bias motivations include racism and xenophobia, anti-Semitism, bias against Muslims, bias against Christians, bias against other groups – sexual orientation and gender identity, and bias against persons with disabilities.
The “hate” in such a crime does not refer to anger or rage, but rather a strong bias against a person or group. Hate crimes are often violent in nature and include assault, murder, arson, vandalism, or threats.
Perpetrators of hate crimes claim many reasons why they commit offenses. Some claim to be thrill seekers, still, others suggest they are protecting their communities, getting revenge, or based on some misguided ideological reason. In the end, there are no valid reasons, only poor excuses for why a person commits a hate crime.
Survivors of hate crimes are more likely to experience psychological distress than survivors of other violent crimes. Additionally, survivors experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, fear, hopelessness, and anger.
Hate Crimes
