Preventing Hate Crimes

A hate crime is a criminal act that is committed against a person because of their sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, gender, age, or disability. These acts can include vandalism, assault, arson, and even murder as well as verbal abuse, bullying, and harassment. Concern about hate crimes is increasingly growing as biases continue to inspire these crimes.

These crimes have a serious psychological effect on the victims. Luckily, some of the high profile cases of hate crimes have led to stricter laws to deal with the issue. The Hate Crime Prevention Act was passed as a law in October of 2009 and was conceived as a response to the high profile murders of James Byrd Jr. and Matthew Shepard and serves to give authorities greater control in investigating hate crimes and bringing charges. No person should have to fear being attacked based on certain personal characteristics. Check out the resources below to learn more about hate crimes and laws that have been put in place to deal with them.

History of Hate Crimes

• Background on Hate Crimes – Information on the background of hate crimes and some of the history surrounding them.

• History of Hate Crimes Protections – A historical overview of hate crimes protections for the LGBT community in particular.

• History of Hate Crimes Awareness – A timeline that highlights significant developments in hate crimes awareness throughout history.

• Hate Crimes Timeline – A timeline of the history of hate crimes from the 1980's to present time.

• Hate Crimes Legislative History – Information about the history of hate crimes and state and federal legislation

Information About Hate Crimes

• Hate Crimes Prevention Act – An explanation of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act that was passed in 2009.

• Hate Crimes & The Element of Bias – In-depth information on how hate crimes add an element of bias to traditional crimes.

• Stop Hate Crimes – Read the results of a study that documents the extent of hate crime victimization.

• About Hate Crimes – Information on the nature of hate crimes on college campuses.

Effects on Victims

• The Impact of Hate Violence – A discussion on the impact of hate crimes on victims including the behavioral and emotional responses to attacks.

• Hate Crimes Hurt Families – Information about hate crimes including the lasting impact and direct impact on families of victims as well as how those families can make a difference.

• How Does Hate Crime Impact Society? – An article discussing how hate crimes can affect whole societies and not just the victim of the crime.

• Hate Crime Statistics – Statistics and information the amount of hate crime as well as what groups are most often targeted.

• The Psychology of Hate Crimes – Information on the psychology of hate crimes and the effects that they can have on victims.

What Parents & Adults Can Do

• Hate Crimes Prevention – Hate crimes prevention information from PFLAG, a non-profit organization that works to support the LGBT community.

• Understanding & Preventing Hate Crimes – Insight on what leads to hate crimes and how they can be prevented.

• Preventing Youth Hate Crime – An introduction to hate crimes with information on steps that parents and teachers can take to prevent youth hate crimes.

• Strategies to Prevent Hate Crimes – Some different strategies to prevent hate crimes and bullying.

What Students/Youth Can Do

• Stopping Hate Crimes – Information on how teens can do their part to prevent hate crimes from occurring.

• Crime Prevention: Putting a Stop to Hate Crime – Information on how adults as well as younger people can put a stop to hate crimes.

• Tolerance for Teens – An article discussing the importance of tolerance amongst kids and teens and how respect is essential.

• Youth Hate Crimes – In-depth information on how to identify, prevent, and intervene in hate crimes amongst youth.

• The Facts on Youth Hate Crime – A list of facts on youth hate crime, including results from studies and reports.