
Hate-Motivated Crime
Responding to Hate-Motivated Crimes and Hate Incidents
The City of St. Albert recognizes that hate impacts everyone and we must work together to prevent and address hate-motivated crimes and hate-motivated incidents in our community.
Hate-Motivated Crime vs. Hate Incident – What is the difference?
A hate-motivated crime (sometimes referred to as a hate crime) is a criminal act against a person or property that is motivated in whole or in part by hate or bias against an identifiable group.
Source: Understanding and addressing hate-motivated crime (RCMP)
Examples of hate-motivated crimes include:
- Violence, threats of violence,
- Acts of mischief or graffiti,
- Destruction of religious property or symbols.
Hate-motivated incidents are non-criminal actions or behaviours that are motivated by hate against an individual or identifiable group.
Examples of hate-motivated incidents include:
- Sharing discriminatory material in-person or posting it online,
- Using racist slurs and language,
- Making offensive jokes about a person's skin color or sexual orientation.
Have You or Someone You Know Experienced a Hate Motivated Crime?
If you or someone you’re supporting has been a victim of a hate-motivated crime, the first thing you can do is report it.
- For Emergencies
Phone: 911 - For Non-Emergencies call the St. Albert RCMP Detachment
Phone: 780-458-7700 - Online Crime Reporting Tool
Website: RCMP Online Crime Reporting - Crime Stoppers (Anonymous Reporting)
Website: crimestoppers.ab.ca
Phone: 1-800-222-8477
If you do not feel comfortable reporting or are not ready to report, consider documenting the incident. Write down details about when the crime happened (date/time), any witnesses, what happened and what actions you took (if any). If any injuries occurred, it is recommended you take a photo after the incident and a few days following. Take a photo to document any graffiti or destruction of property. Ask a trusted friend or family member for support.
Now that the incident has been documented, you can report it later if you choose.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a hate incident, you can choose to document it on Stop Hate AB
Why Should You Report Hate-Motivated Crimes?
“Reporting—no matter how minor something may seem—can help police better target crime prevention efforts in communities. It can help identify trends and, most importantly, prevent a possible escalation towards violence.”
Understanding and Addressing Hate-Motivated Crime
Getting Support
Even if you choose not to report to the RCMP, there is support available to individuals and communities that have been impacted by hate-motivated crimes.
- The Central Alberta Regional Victim Serving Society
CARVSS receives referrals from the RCMP, self-referrals and provides support with community agency referrals.
Website: carvss.ca
Email: info@carvss.ca - Family and Community Support Services
FCSS can provide support, referrals or a listening ear.
Email: fcss@stalbert.ca
Phone: 780-459-1756 - Graffiti Removal on Private Property
City of St. Albert is encouraging all residents to take action against this form of vandalism, especially when it's hate-motivated.
Website: stalbert.ca/graffiti
Online Reporting: stalbert.ca/serve/report
Phone (RCMP): 780-458-7700 - Evolve Program
Evolve offers a supportive place to share your story. They can also provide counselling, resources, advice, and advocacy to support you.
Website: evolveprogram.ca
Phone: 1-877-938-6580
What to do if You Witness Hate
- Make sure you are safe, don’t intervene if it will escalate the situation or put you or the victim at risk.
- Call the RCMP (780-458-7700)
- Document relevant details (write down descriptions of people or vehicles, what was said, etc.)
- Offer to provide support to the victim.
How to Support Community Members Impacted by Hate-Motivated Crimes and Hate Incidents
For additional resources, please review the following documents:
- Coalitions Creating Equity response model for hate incidents
- Supporting victims of hate crimes and incidents resources
The Alberta Security Infrastructure Program Grant is available to facilities serving communities or identifiable groups at risk of hate or bias-motivated crimes or incidents.Related Pages
Last edited: October 17, 2024