5.2 Hate Crime Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is a hate-motivated crime?
A criminal offence where the offender is motivated by hostility or prejudice toward a person’s actual or perceived personal characteristic, such as race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
What is a hate incident?
Any non-criminal act perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice, even if it does not meet the threshold of a criminal offence.
What is the key distinction between a hate crime and a hate incident?
A hate crime involves a criminal offence, while a hate incident does not meet the criminal threshold but is still driven by prejudice or hostility.
Why is it important to record and respond to hate incidents even if they are not crimes?
Because they can escalate into more serious offences, cause harm, and indicate wider community tensions or vulnerability.
According to the updated policy, what is Police’s core responsibility when managing hate crime?
To respond in a way that acknowledges the victim’s experience, investigates the offence thoroughly, and demonstrates the seriousness of hate-motivated offending.
What are two guiding principles in the updated hate crime policy?
1) Taking all reports seriously, and
2) Ensuring the response is victim-focused and culturally competent.
What does the phrase “victim-focused approach” mean in this context?
It means placing the victim’s needs, safety, and experience at the center of the Police response and ensuring they feel heard, supported, and respected.
What are some examples of personal characteristics that may make a person a target for hate crime?
Race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality.
What is one of Police’s “key messages” regarding hate crime?
That hate crime has no place in New Zealand society and Police will actively work to protect those at risk and hold offenders accountable.
Why is accurate recording of hate crimes and incidents important?
It helps understand the scope of the problem, supports prevention strategies, and reassures communities that Police take the issue seriously.
How should frontline staff determine if an incident may be hate-motivated?
By considering if the victim or any other person perceives the offender’s motivation as based on prejudice or hostility toward a personal characteristic.
What role does perception play in identifying hate crimes or incidents?
Perception by the victim, witness, or any third party is enough to classify an event as potentially hate-motivated—it does not need to be proven at that stage.
