1. What was the Sussex Hate Crime Project?
The Sussex Hate Crime Project was a five year research project funded by the Leverhulme Trust which investigated the indirect effects of hate crimes within the Muslim and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans (LGBT) communities.
2. Why did we need this project?
Although a great deal of research has illustrated the highly damaging effects hate crimes can have on direct victims, research has often overlooked – or just assumed – how hate crimes effect other people in the targeted group. This project explicitly examined these indirect effects and in doing so increased our understanding of how hate crimes send messages to specific communities and how individuals within these communities respond to being threatened and targeted. Such research and understanding helps to raise awareness of hate crimes, to increase hate crime reporting, and to improve policies and practices combating hate crime.
3. What were the aims of the project?
- Understand the wider impacts of hate crime
- Raise awareness of hate crimes and their indirect effects on communities
- Provide information on how to report hate crimes and get support for victims
- Encourage people to report hate crimes
- Work with individuals, organisations, and the criminal justice system to develop and improve initiatives designed to combat hate crimes
- Stimulate further academic discussion and research of hate crimes
Ultimately, the project aimed to improve community relations, reduce social exclusion, and improve community safety.
4. What were the findings?
The Sussex Hate Crime Project Report oultines the key findings from our work. You can also view our other publications here.