Logo of Purple balled fist with the text LGBTQI Hate Crime Monitoring

South African Hate Crime Monitoring Institute

What is an LGBT Hate Crime?

A hate crime is any crime which is perceived by the victim, or anybody else, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone else. The Bill of Rights, in Section 9 of the Constitution, prohibits direct or indirect unfair discrimination against anyone on the grounds set out in section 9(3) of the Constitution, namely gender, sex, sexual orientation. The Bill of Rights, in Section 10, gives everyone the right to dignity and, in section 12, gives everyone the right to freedom and security of the person, which includes the right to be free from all forms of violence from either public or private sources.

LGBIT hate crime is an offence recognized under any law, the commission of which by a person is motivated by that person’s prejudice or intolerance towards the victim of the crime in question because of one or more of the following characteristics:

  • Gender or gender identity;
  • Sex, which includes intersex; or transgender identity
  • Sexual orientation
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REGISTER AN INCIDENT

Public Database

Take Note

Ensure Your Safety: Prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved. If there is an immediate threat, call emergency services.

Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of the incident, including dates, times, locations, descriptions of individuals involved, and any witnesses. This information can be crucial for investigations and legal proceedings.

Seek Medical Attention: If you or anyone involved in the incident requires medical attention, seek it immediately. Document any injuries and keep medical records as evidence.

Participate in Community Efforts: In some cases, you may want to participate in community efforts to raise awareness about LGBTI hate crimes, advocate for policy changes, or support fellow victims.

Contact the Police: If you are a victim or witness to an LGBTI hate crime, contact your local law enforcement agency. You can do this by calling the non-emergency police number or visiting your local police station.

Also registering as much information as possible about the incident, including the date, time, location, and a detailed description of what happened. If you have any evidence such as photos or videos, share them.

LGBTI Support Organizations: FEW will contact the  LGBTI support organizations and community groups  within your area that  can help you report hate crimes.

You may also contact  local LGBTI organizations for support.who works with other organizations to offer guidance, legal advice, and assistance in navigating the reporting process.