Hate Crimes Legislation Welcomed

13 February 2002

Victim Support welcomed the passing of the Victims’ Rights Act today.

Regarding hate crime as an aggravating factor which could result in a tougher sentence is to be welcomed, Steve Caldwell, Chief Executive of Victim Support said today.

”Compared to many crimes, hate crime victims are NOT in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Mr Caldwell said.

“In a hate crime, victims (or their property) are attacked for being different, for being misunderstood and for being hated. Becoming a victim because of difference goes to the very core of the victim’s existence because their difference is there for all of their lives.”

“These victims are at risk, not because of their behaviour, but because of their identity. The healing process tends to be longer and they are more likely to suffer post traumatic stress disorders.”

Mr Caldwell commented that California has specific hate crime legislation and their experience is worth noting. “Even with the legislation in place, there are a number of reasons why hate crime is often not reported. California found that victims otten don’t trust the Police, they fear retaliation, they may be in the country illegally and they may not even perceive the crime as a hate crime. They also found that about 54% of hate crime was motivated by racial hatred and 33% was directed toward sexual orientation.”

“Sadly, some people believe that hate crime legislation is in place simply to protect racial minority groups”, Mr Caldwell said.

“Hate crimes affect entire communities. When one member of a minority community is attacked, the whole of that community becomes fearful. If no action is taken, retaliation becomes a very real possibility”.

“I am convinced that hate crime has existed for many years in New Zealand but it has not been recognised as such.” Mr Caldwell said. “Recent trends suggest that it is very timely to introduce the concept of a hate crime in legislation and to be uncompromising in the sentencing of offenders who are motivated by hate.”