The Psychology of Hate Crimes

Public Interest Government Relations Office (PI-GRO) staff have developed a briefing paper addressing the psychology of hate crimes.  This document addresses:

• the current and proposed federal definition of hate crimes;

• what differentiates hate and bias-motivated crimes from other crimes;

• the psychological effects of hate crimes on individuals and communities; and

• APA’s recommendations on how law enforcement officials, community leaders, educators, researchers, clinicians, and policymakers must work together to stop hate crimes.