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What is a hate-motivated act?
When actions are motivated by hate and intentionally aim to violate the rights and dignity of a person or group because of their race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, or sexual orientation, we may be dealing with hate-motivated acts.
Why take action against hate?
As a society, we must stand up against these attacks and provocations, which undermine the sense of safety of the individuals targeted and of the group they belong to, as well as the trust of the entire community.
Moreover, by creating tensions within certain groups, these acts can be a cause of radicalization leading to violence. Conversely, violent radicalization can lead people to commit hateful acts.
By contributing to this fight:
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You speak out against acts and behaviours – criminal or non-criminal – that harm social cohesion.
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You help end the cycle of violence and protect other potential victims from hate crimes or hate incidents.
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You help Cities Without Violence and its partners better understand the scope of the phenomenon, so that appropriate measures can be taken to prevent it and to support victims and witnesses.
Crime or incident?
Hate-motivated acts take two forms: a hate crime, a criminal act punishable by law, and a hate incident, which cannot be considered criminal within the meaning of the Criminal Code.
What is a hate crime?
A hate crime is a criminal act motivated by prejudice or hatred toward a person or group because of their identity. Here are some examples of acts and behaviours considered hate crimes:
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Physically assaulting two men kissing in public because of their sexual orientation.
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Threatening an Indigenous neighbour on social media out of intolerance for their ethnic origin.
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Painting provocative graffiti (Ku Klux Klan, swastika, skull, etc.) on a shop window or on the walls of a gathering place of a group that faces strong prejudice or stereotypes.
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Vandalizing a synagogue or a Buddhist temple, or pouring pig’s blood on the door of a mosque.
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Violently pushing someone down the metro stairs while insulting them about their physical disability.
What is a hate incident?
A hate incident is any non-criminal act that affects the sense of safety of a person or an identifiable group of people and that, given the context, is perceived as targeted. Here are some examples of acts and behaviours considered hate incidents:
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Calling out at two women kissing in the street, pointing to their sexual orientation.
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In a shopping centre, leaving offensive and threatening flyers on the windshields of Indigenous people’s cars.
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Insulting a shop owner because of their national or ethnic origin.
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Making hurtful remarks to a person because of their intellectual disability.
Victim of a hate crime or incident: where to get support?
If you believe you have been the victim of a hate crime or hate act, it is important to report it to the appropriate authorities. You can count on the support of Cities Without Violence specialists, in complete confidentiality.
You will receive active listening and community support tailored to your situation.
You can consult a qualified professional who will assist you or refer you to services suited to your needs.
You will be supported throughout the process in a personalized and confidential way.
Witness to a hate crime or incident: what can I do?
If you believe you have witnessed a hate crime or incident, you have an important role to play: reporting it. In doing so, you support the well-being of the victim, those around them and yourself, while also taking part in the fight against hate.
Avoid confrontation and don’t directly criticize their values or beliefs.
Choose the right moment, with a time and place that encourage open dialogue.
Seek support and reach out to Cities Without Violence for tailored guidance.
Convers’actions
People faced with hate-motivated acts don’t always find the right resources to support their varied needs. The Convers’action support group aims to give voice to the many experiences of victims and witnesses of hate acts in order to break isolation, make these acts visible and raise public awareness, with a view to taking collective action to prevent and address them.
Why join this support group?
- To share experiences in a safe setting.
- To break the isolation of people faced with hate-motivated acts.
- To discuss themes related to hate acts.
- To build shared knowledge and exchange on helpful practices and existing resources.
- To take pro-social action by promoting empowerment.
