StatsCan says 80 per cent of hate incidents go unreported in Canada. So what happens to those victims?
Mohammed Hashim: “It will take more than public shock to help the victims of hate crimes.” — Contributed photoMohammed Hashim is the executive director of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.It is a familiar refrain heard online, in the media and in public settings when the subject of hate comes up. “This isn’t us”; “I can’t believe this is happening here”; and, “I’m sorry you are going through that.
It will take more than public shock to help the victims of hate crimes. It will take real commitments towards meeting victims where they are and helping them along the painful journey they will have to take — journeys they shouldn’t have to do on their own.According to Statistics Canada, nearly 80 per cent of hate incidents go unreported to police. Who out there is helping any of these victims?
According to Statistics Canada, nearly 80 per cent of hate incidents go unreported to police. Who out there is helping any of these victims? To start, a $29-million annual fund should be created to ensure that organizations aren’t scrambling every year to find money. Their focus should be on the victims, not about worrying whether they have the resources to help those in need. With that money, organizations can help victims get access to psychological care, temporary salary replacement, and if they choose, accompany them through the criminal justice system process.