Hamilton saw 61 per cent increase in hate crime incidents for 2022

Hamilton saw a staggering increase in hate crime incidents for 2022. 

A release from the Hamilton Police explains that the city experienced a 61 per cent increase in hate/bias incidents and criminal offences compared to the year prior. 

The majority of reported incidents were directly related to racial bias, religion, and sexual orientation. The communities most frequently victimized in 2022 were the Black community, Jewish community, and 2SLGBTQIA+ community. 

As noted by the Hamilton Police, the true number of incidents is likely much higher due to the fact that most incidents go unreported. 

Hamilton Police release #HamOnt 2022 Hate Crime statistics. Read More: https://t.co/6uldp05HvW

— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) April 24, 2023

“Hate crime affects our entire community. These crimes impact a sense of belonging, safety and wellbeing for victims and creates fear within our community,” says Hamilton Police Chief Frank Bergen. 

Hamilton Police have implemented numerous strategic or proactive steps to help combat and prevent hate-related incidents, including enhanced support to victims, training all new recruits on understanding and identifying hate occurrences, hosting a Hate Crime Symposium in spring, and incorporating the Hate Crime Unit with the EDI and Community Engagement units. 

Read the full release here. 

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