Hate-Motivated Crime:

A hate-motivated crime is a criminal offence committed against a person and/or property which is motivated by hate/bias or prejudice based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation or other similar factors. A criminal offence is an offence committed contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. Examples of criminal offences include assault, mischief (property damage) and threatening.

 

Examples of Hate-Motivated Crimes:

• Physical assault or verbal threats motivated by hate
• Seeing or receiving hate mail in the form of e-mails, flyers, letters and/or websites
• Being threatened or harassed because of one's identity
• Graffiti or vandalism motivated by hate, such as spray-painting racial slurs on a place of worship

 

The Law and Hate Propaganda:

There are specific laws in Canada that deal with hate propaganda. These laws refer to persons that advocate or promote genocide and/or public public incitement of hatred. If you see hate propaganda, posters and/or graffiti that promote hate, report it to the police.

 

What You Can Do:

When an incident of hate crime occurs, it is best to document the details as soon as possible. Be sure of the facts. Make sure you answer the who, what when, where, why and how of the incident. Supporting documents such as written statements, photographs, videotapes and/or witnesses will strengthen a case.

 

Why Report Hate-Motivated Crime:

If you are the victim of a hate-motivated crime, it is important that you report it to the police promptly. Reporting crime helps break the cycle of violence and has the potential to help others from being victimized. Due to the personal and hurtful nature of the act, hate-motivated crime is often not reported to police. It is necessary to report hate-motivated crime to the police so that the offence can be properly documented and investigated. Understanding the nature of crime in Halton Region is very important to the safety of you and your family. Reporting such crime enables the Halton Regional Police Service and organizations such as the Halton Multicultural Council (HMC) to take proactive and preventative measures to combat hate.

 

When The Police Are Called:

When you call the police, you will need to provide:

• Your name
• Address
• Telephone number
• A brief description of the crime you are reporting

A Halton Regional Police Service officer will be dispatched to your location to obtain more information.

If you do not speak English: Tell the police what language you speak. The Service will contact a translation service to assist you with your call. Remember to stay calm. The police are here to help you.

 

After The Report Has Been Taken:

An investigation will be conducted by the Halton Regional Police Service that may result in the arrest of an offender(s). The investigative process may include taking photographs of evidence and providing an official statement to the police. If an offender(s) is arrested and charged with an offence(s), you may be required to attend court. The police and/or Crown Attorney's office will inform you and prepare you for court proceedings. For more information about hate-motivated crime, community assistance and/or services, contact:

Sergeant Sue Biggs
Halton Regional Police Service, Diversity Coordinator
905-825-4727

 

 

For more information, view this document, or check out the Halton Police website.