2020 Annual Hate Crime Statistical Report Findings,
More than 50 per cent increase in reported hate crimes

Broadcast time: 16:45
Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Unit: Corporate Communications
Phone: 416-808-7100

Today the Toronto Police Service presented its Annual Hate Crime Statistical Report, outlining an unprecedented increase in hate crime reporting for 2020.

The Report identified a 51 per cent increase (139 in 2019 and 210 in 2020) in the number of reported hate crimes, with global events such as the pandemic contributing to this.

Of note, there was an increase in the number of:

- anti-Asian/Chinese hate crimes - 3 in 2019 to 15 in 2020
- hate crimes committed online - 8 in 2019 to 21 in 2020
- anti-Black hate crimes - 13 in 2019 to 43 in 2020

In 2020, the Jewish community, followed by the Black community, LGBTQ2S+ community, and the Asian/Chinese communities were the most frequently victimized groups. Mischief to property, assault and criminal harassment were the most commonly reported criminal offences motivated by hate.

“Hate crimes not only victimize an individual but also the entire group they identify with. We know this can have a long-lasting impact on the diverse communities we serve, resulting in increased isolation, stress and vulnerability,’ said Chief of Police James Ramer. “I want to make it clear, one hate crime is one too many. As a Service we have taken steps to address this concerning increase by expanding the capacity of our dedicated Hate Crime Unit who are specialized in investigating these crimes.

He added: “We remain committed to working collaboratively within our Service and with our community partners, in a transparent and inclusive way, to build trust and encourage the reporting of hate crimes.”

The Service acknowledges that these crimes are often unreported and has taken part in various training, educational and community outreach initiatives to address this. This includes Town Halls, Community Consultative Committees and the Neighbourhood Community Officer Program.

Community members are encouraged to report incidents of hate, prejudice and bias to police and work together with the Toronto Police Service to eliminate these crimes.

The Annual Hate Crime Statistical Report provides statistical data about criminal offences that are committed against persons or property which are motivated by bias, prejudice or hate based on the victim’s race, nationality or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual or gender orientation or expression, or any other similar factor.

The data is based on hate crimes reported to the Toronto Police Service between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020.

The report was presented to the Toronto Police Services Board and can be found under item 6 of the agenda here. It will be published on the Service’s website in the coming days.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Corporate Communications

Predators and Preys

FOOD CHAIN

Introduction: PredationEdit

Ultimately, the source of energy for all life originates from the sun. Plants utilize the sun's energy, animals eat plants and utilize the plants' energy, and some animals eat other animals and utilize their energy. The food chain is a cycle of predation, and although it is necessary for life to exist, it has to have limits. Prey develop defenses against their predators, and predators strive to overcome such obstacles. The balance between survival of prey and predator is part of the reason that our ecosystem is so diverse.