What is a hate/bias crime?

Hate/bias crime is a criminal offence against a person or property that is motivated, in whole, or in part, by prejudice or hate based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour religion, gender, age, mental or physical disability or sexual orientation of the victim.

Examples of hate/bias crime include:
• Violence, threats of violence
• Vandalism, graffiti
• Threatening phone calls
• Physical assaults
• Hate mail, emails
• Destruction of religious symbols
• Fire bombings

What are hate/bias incidents?
Incidents of hate/bias also include actions such as name calling, using racial slurs or distributing material promoting prejudice. Although these incidents do not have the elements required to prove a crime, they can lead to violent or criminal behaviour.