 advocate for stronger hate crime–related public policies.
Many hate crime victims experience a series of attacks rather than a single episode (Barnes & Ephross, 1994). They feel overwhelmed, angry, fearful, and sad, and may make significant life changes in the wake of the hate crime. Some may suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS). Effective services to these individuals include intensive, short-term interventions best suited to their intense emotional reactions (Barnes & Ephross, 1994). Group services provide a supportive and therapeutic environment with others who have had similar experiences. As compared to victims of similar attacks not motivated by hate, hate crime victims are less likely to experience reduced self-esteem or to blame themselves for the crime and wonder if they should or could have behaved differently (Barnes & Ephross, 1994). In addition to helping individuals, social workers also intervene in systems: schools, communities, and organizations that have experienced instances of hate crimes.
Although victims understandably receive the most attention, hate crime perpetrators also require sustained interventions to control hateful actions. Research on the perpetrators of these crimes suggests they may be thrill-seekers, or they may be responding to a triggering incident, a delusion, or a hate group (Levin & McDevitt, 2002). While few hate crimes are directly linked to hate groups, such groups do create an atmosphere conducive to hate crimes (Jacobs & Potter, 1998). In this realm, counseling and violence prevention programs can be effective alternatives to prison environments, which can magnify feelings of hate and bias. As schools have experienced escalating violence, they have been receptive to innovative programs in violence reduction and prevention. In fact, many schools have a violence reduction or prevention program in place, focusing on skill building and sometimes individual counseling (Astor et al., 1998). School social workers working in concert with community groups could provide a natural linkage to effectively prevent, reduce, or manage violence.
Social workers also play important roles in helping communities deal with violence and hate crimes. Social workers can combine direct service with community mobilization to help communities deal with the consequences of hate. Community members can work to act, unite, support victims, obtain accurate information, refrain from responding to hate with hate, lobby community leaders, and teach and practice tolerance (SPLC, 1999), all actions congruent with social work values and skills.
Anti-Defamation League. (1999). Hate crimes laws introduction. Retrieved November 15, 2007, from http://www.adl.org/99hatecrime/intro.asp
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