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.

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.

  1. 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
  2. Family and Community Support Services
    FCSS can provide support, referrals or a listening ear.
    Email: fcss@stalbert.ca
    Phone: 780-459-1756
  3. 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
  4. 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

  1. Make sure you are safe, don’t intervene if it will escalate the situation or put you or the victim at risk.
  2. Call the RCMP (780-458-7700)
  3. Document relevant details (write down descriptions of people or vehicles, what was said, etc.)
  4. 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:

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