Hate Crime
Hate crime is any incident perceived to have been committed against any person or property on the grounds of a particular person's ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or disability.
In June 2024, Victim Support NI launched an anti-hate crime campaign titled ‘We Stand Together’. This campaign is backed up by a Hate Crime Manifesto which you can read here: Hate Crime Manifesto 2024 – June 19 24 This campaign urges people to stand up against hate crime in their communities and makes a series of asks and commitments to partner organisations to encourage collaboration on hate crime reduction efforts in NI.
To access specialist support following a hate crime or incident, please contact the Hate Crime Advocacy Service NI (HCASNI). You’ll find them at their website here
You can also find them on facebook @HCASNI and twitter @HCASNI
The service is comprised of a Hate Crime Advocacy Coordinator based in Victim Support NI, and Hate Crime Advocates based in our partner organisations – Disability Action, Migrant Centre NI (Race Hate Crime Advocates), and The Rainbow Project (LGB&T Hate Crime Advocate). You can read our latest Impact Report in the publications section of this site here:
Victim Support NI’s Hate Crime Advocacy Coordinator monitors and coordinates the service. This ensures that victims of hate crime are able to easily access the support services available within Victim Support NI, and within the specialist partner organisations involved in the Scheme.
How the HCASNI can help
Being a victim of this kind of crime can be a particularly frightening experience as you have been victimised because of who you are, or who or what your attacker thinks you are. These crimes can take place anywhere – at home, in the streets, and at work, schools and colleges. Incidents can include threats, verbal abuse, arson, robbery, violence towards you and damage to your property.
The effects of hate crime can last for a long time, especially if you have suffered repeatedly. Many people find it helps to talk to someone who understands. The HCASNI advocates can help immediately after an incident or at any stage.
They will listen to you in confidence and give information, practical help and emotional support. They can also give you information about the criminal justice system and compensation if you choose to report the crime. They can help you deal with a range of organisations, such as your employer and housing agencies, if you are having difficulties with them because of what has happened to you.
For more information go to www.hcasni.com
