A study undertaken by researchers at University of Limerick and Queen’s University Belfast shows the general public also understand the direct and indirect harms of hate crime.
The majority of the public in both parts of the island recognise hate crimes are more likely to have a psychological effect on their victims, and that they spread fear and isolation among minority communities.
Professor of Sociology at UL Amanda Haynes says there is significant awareness of hate crime:
"The public in Ireland has a really good awareness of hate crime as an issue, the majority see it as a serious issue in Ireland and they see it as a growing problem. At the same time, they also have an understanding of what we would refer to as being the harms of hate crime."
