SASKATOON — An investigation by Saskatoon's recently created Hate Crime Unit resulted in the charging of a 32-year-old woman with a hate/bias motivated offence.
A release issued by Saskatoon Police Service states that at approximately 1:40 p.m., May 2, a 23-year-old woman reported being confronted by an unknown woman while at a library in the 200 block Avenue K South. The 32 year old began chasing the younger woman while using racial slurs, according to SPS, then left the scene.
The 32 year old is facing one count of common assault.
In an effort to increase awareness around hate-motivated crime and to improve access to reporting related incidents, says the SPS, the department has created a web page on the topic and added to its online reporting function.
The SPS Hate Crime Unit was created in January 2022 and investigates offences against people or property motivated in whole or part by race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, language, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, or any other similar factor. It is part of the Interpersonal Conflict Section and is designed to provide support to front line officers and other investigative units.
The unit monitors hate-motivated crime for the purpose of aiding and identifying crimes and criminals and to assist with sentencing at the end of the judicial process.
SPS explains this is important because Section 718 of the Criminal Code of Canada allows for increased sentences to be considered where there is evidence that a hate-motivated crime has been committed.
SPS notes on its website that, while there is no legal definition of a ‘hate crime,’ the Criminal Code of Canada contains several specific offences related to hate propaganda, such as advocating genocide, public incitement of hatred, and willful promotion of hatred. There is also an offence related to hate motivated mischief against religious property.
Reporting hate-motivated offences
Victims of hate motivated offences are often reluctant to report to police for a variety of reasons, including fear of retaliation, language or cultural barriers, or a perception of the importance of an incident, says SPS. However, the department says, it is crucial to the safety of all citizens that all incidents of hate be investigated, in order to send a strong message that hate will not be tolerated.
SPS offers three options available for reporting offences involving hate:
- Online reporting.
- In-person at the Service Centre.
- Phone: 306-975-8300 (non-emergency).
If a victim is in immediate danger and/or the offence is in progress, SPS says please call 911.
The SPS Service Centre is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is located at 76 25th Street East.
Non-criminal incidents can also be reported to Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.
