Fighting hate requires new strategies, B.C.’s Human Rights Commissioner says
From the 930 of those who witnessed or experienced hate incidents, 72 per cent did not report the hate incident they experienced or witnessed, while 68 per cent said they didn’t think a report would make a difference.38 per cent witnessed or experienced a hate incident for the first time after the onset of the pandemic in early 2020.48 per cent happened at an outdoor public space.
58 per cent of respondents felt that the rise in hate incidents was due to the perpetrators blaming certain groups for the pandemic. 56 per cent felt that the increase in experiences of hate was due to a normalization of hate incidents online and elsewhere.How respondents described the perpetrator: 73 per cent reported the perpetrator was a stranger, followed by a person in authority , or a professional .The B.C. Office of the Human Rights Commissioner said it is reviewing all submissions received since the survey began in August, which include over 100 oral and written submissions from people representing more than 60 different organizations.The office will reveal its final report and recommendations in early 2023.