April 22, 2024
HAMILTON --The Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC) acknowledges the release of the Hamilton Police Service Hate Crime Statistics detailing hate occurrences reported from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. The data reveals a disturbing trend of increased reported occurrences impacting the Black community, the 2S&LGBTQIA community, and the Jewish community.
The recently released statistics by the Hamilton Police Service indicate a 26% increase in reported hate/bias incidents. These statistics are deeply concerning and serve as a troubling reminder of the need for collective action to address systemic racism in our city. It is worrying to see a significant rise in reported hate-related incidents, reflecting the persistent challenges faced by targeted communities in Hamilton.
The fact that the Black community, the 2S&LGBTQIA community, and the Jewish community were the groups most frequently victimized in 2023 is a stark reminder of the persistent discrimination and prejudice faced by communities in Hamilton. The findings underscore the need for proactive measures to address the pervasive issue of hate-motivated incidents in Hamilton.
As an organization dedicated to confronting racism and promoting inclusivity, HARRC reaffirms its commitment to supporting victims of hate and working collaboratively with community partners and policymakers at all levels of government to address the root causes of prejudice and discrimination.
We call upon all residents of Hamilton to join us in denouncing hate in all its forms and to take active steps toward being anti-racist within our diverse community.
HARRC encourages individuals who have been affected by hate-related incidents to reach out to us for support and resources via Wesupporthamilton.ca