Topic 1 The specific needs of hate crime victims

Hate crime: what is it? According to the Office for Democratic Institutions  and Human Rights a hate crime is an act that combines the criminal offence aspect, with bias, which is what motivates the perpetrator to commit it (OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions  and Human Rights (ODIHR), 2022).

Therefore, it is easily understood that:

• The victim is chosen by the offender based on biases and prejudice
• The criteria with which the offender choses the victim are religion, race, gender, language and many more (OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), 2022).

What are some of the main needs hate crime victims have? According to OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), (2022):

• First of all, the victims need to feel safe, protected and understood. Therefore, the environment of reporting such an act or interviewing them, is crucial.
• There is the need for diverse criminal justice and law systems, in order for the victims of hate crimes to feel that there is someone that represents them.
• There is their need to receive empowerment and support.
• They need to participate in legal procedures