Policy Brief: Specialist Support for Hate Crime Victims

Abstract

Hate crime victims require access to specialist support services. These services should be victim-centred, needs-based and diversity-sensitive. They should include practical help, emotional and psychosocial support, advice relating to legal and financial issues and community engagement. Such specialist support services for hate crime victims should be free of charge, confidential and form an integral part of a comprehensive hate crime response. This policy brief draws attention to the worrying situation in many participating States of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), where current responses to hate crime victims’ needs fall short of agreed international commitments and obligations. It also highlights the need to establish or expand specialist support services that are tailored to victims and address the harmful impacts of hate crimes at the individual, community and societal levels