Hate crimes are on the rise. Here are 4 ways to stop them from spreading
Hate crimes are on the rise.
In 2021, federal officials reported the highest numbers of hate crimes ever.
Since the onset of the conflict in Gaza, threats against members of Arab, Jewish and Muslim communities have soared.
The American Psychological Association says that hate-based violence often begins with verbal threats, such as degradation, harassment or humiliation and expands into physical forms, including bullying, maiming, murder and even genocide.
Whatever the delivery, hate crimes exact a huge psychological toll on the victims.
One 2020 study found that young adults felt angry, sad and ashamed after being exposed to online hate speech.
Another study showed recipients experienced significantly more depression, anger, anxiety and posttraumatic stress as well as crime-related fears and beliefs.
They were more likely to attempt suicide and suffer from vicarious trauma after witnessing others in their communities being attacked.
Who is most likely to commit hate crime?
Who is most likely to commit a hate crime?
Profiles differ according to the demographics being targeted.
The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism determined that those arrested on suspicion of religiously-motivated hate crimes tend to be older, have more military experience, have higher rates of mental health problems and be more likely to cause mass casualty events than those who commit other hate[related crimes.
People who are arrested on suspicion of crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity are usually younger, unemployed and unmarried, START found. They are more likely to commit their hate crimes with peers while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Perpetrators of racial or ethnic hate crimes have higher rates of previous criminal activity and often belong to organized hate groups.
4 ways to stop hate crimes from spreading
However, hate doesn’t have to win out.
There are steps each of us can take to combat the trend and ensure the safety and emotional well-being of our friends and neighbors.
Act. In the face of hatred, apathy will be interpreted as acceptance by the perpetrators, the public and, worst of all, the victims. Call family members and co-workers. Host a neighborhood meeting. Speak up in your congregation.
Join forces. Reach out to allies from churches, schools, clubs and civic groups. Call on groups that are likely to respond to a hate event, such as faith alliances, labor unions, women’s groups or universities. Work to create a healthy relationship with local law enforcement agencies to track early warning signs of hate simmering in a community.
Support the victims. If you’re a victim, report every incident and ask for help. If you learn about a hate crime victim in your community, show support. Let victims know you care.
Speak up. Hate must be exposed and denounced. Help news organizations achieve balance and depth. Spread tolerance through social media and websites, church bulletins, door-to-door fliers and letters to the editor.
Linda Lewis Griffith is a retired marriage, family and child therapist who lives in San Luis Obispo, California. Reach her at lindalewisgriffith@sbcglobal.net .
