Victims Of Hate Crime

The impact of crime can differentiate depending on wider issues such as discrimination and social exclusion. Victims of hate crime have suffered emotionally and have in recent history shaped crucial legislation in light of events. Discrimination typically refers to the identification of differences which could be positive or negative (Thompson, 2011). In relation to unlawful discrimination, it is the unfair treatment or action towards a person or group on the basis of certain characteristics. These 9 characteristics are enshrined in the Equality Act 2010 which include discriminating on the grounds of race, age, gender reassignment, disability and sexual orientation. Discrimination could have extreme impact which may lead to hate crime or

In addition he encouraged acts of violence towards the family who were still recuperating from the racially motivated attack (Crown Prosecution Service, 2006). Victims of crime are impacted in different ways ranging from financial loss to trauma and fear. In terms of crimes related to diversity and discrimination, the necessity for change has increasingly become demanding. The case of Fiona Pilkington and her daughter Francecca Hardwick in 2007 was seen as a catastrophic failure for Leicestershire police. The report concluded that the police failed to act appropriately despite the apparent struggle for Fiona Pilkington to look after her disabled daughter. Between November 1997 and October 2007 the family came into contact with Leicestershire police on 33 occasions after years of abuse. Over the years victims of hate crime have often been misinterpreted as victims of anti-social behaviour as in the case of Fiona Pilkington in spite of the severity (complainant and types, 2011). The impact of the behaviour towards the family was the underpinning factor that led to the death of Fiona Pilkington and her daughter Francecca Hardwick. Since then Leicestershire Police have enhanced their management structures, supervised anti-social behaviour and how they support vulnerable people according to the Independent Police Complaints

The perception proposed by society, media influences and government alterations have helped to raise victim issues. Historically the first intervention occurred in the late 19th century. Gradually these changes have directed towards a more victim centred approach in acknowledging that victims have rights and necessities that ought to be fulfilled. The changes amongst the criminal justice system have undoubtedly been influenced by the issues raised by victim support agencies and other charitable organisations. Traditionally in the late 19th century offenders who committed robbery triggered of panics which ultimately persuaded parliament to introduce severe legislation. Nevertheless financial scandals were also prevalent in society and those committing such acts were not categorised as the criminal class. One process which increased awareness of victim issues was the idea of victim surveys such as the British Crime Surveys. This development started in the 1960s and provided information on crime, victim relationship with the police, reporting patterns and prevention methods (Davis, Lurigio, and Herman, 2007). These surveys were conducted in a way that gathered the impact of crime on victims in contrast to previously focusing on criminality. This resulted in the introduction of schemes and processes to support victim recovery such as restorative justice.