Hate Crimes 

Definition -

A hate crime is the victimization of an individual based on that individual's race, religion, national origin, ethnic identification, gender, or sexual orientation.

 

Hate Crimes include:

- Rape and Sexual Assault 
- Physical Assault with weapons 
- Verbal or physical harassment 
- Vandalism or robbery 
- Attacks on home or place of worship 

Though hate crimes can be perpetrated against any particular group, women and members of the LGBT Community are the most common victims. 

Impact

As hate crimes are directly connected to a person’s individual identity (race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, etc.) the emotional effects of a rape or sexual assault as a hate crime can be intensified. The victim may suffer from additional effects brought on by the attack of their identity as well as the reactions that follow a rape or sexual assault.Such reactions can include:

 

- Deep personal hurt, betrayal 
- Feelings of powerlessness, vulnerability, anger, sadness 
- Fear for personal and family’s safety 
- Changes in lifestyle (where they walk, how they answer the phone, their reactions to strangers)

Victims of hate crimes have an increased potential to experience psychological distress such as post - traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anger than other victims of other crimes. In addition, research shows the recovery time can also be prolonged, taking up to five years for victims of hate crimes to overcome the emotional and psychological distress caused by such an attack.