Hate Crime

What is hate crime?

The law recognises five types of hate crime on the basis of:

• Race
• Religion 
• Disability
• Sexual orientation 
• Transgender identity

Any crime can be prosecuted as a hate crime if the offender has either:

• demonstrated hostility based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity, or
• been motivated by hostility based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity

Someone can be a victim of more than one type of hate crime and it can include:

• name calling or verbal abuse
• graffiti or abusive writing
• damage to property
• threats or intimidation
• bullying or harassment
• physical attacks or violence, including sexual violence, arson and murder.