Hate crime is a particularly serious crime, that can compromise the quality of life for individuals and communities. It damages people and the wider social fabric of our locality. The Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers have a nationally agreed definition of Hate Crime;
"A hate crime is any incident which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by prejudice against a persons' race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, asylum seeker status, religion, sexual orientation , gender identity or disability".
A Hate incident is defined as;
"Any incident which may or may not constitute a criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, as being motivated by prejudice or hate".
The trauma experienced by victims of hate crimes is further aggravated as the perpetrators motivation is grouped with hatred, which results form their own prejudices. Underreporting of Hate Crime is very common because of a lack of confidence in the Police and Local Authorities. Sometimes people feel worried about reporting Hate Crime, fearing further victimisation. Victims are often dealing with trauma and distress, combined with fear and persecution. Hate Crime breeds suspicion, mistrust, alienation and fear and promotes isolation. PDREC is working towards the elimination of all forms of Hate Crime, challenging perpetrators and supporting victims.