New service enables victims to report online hate crimes to gardaí

An Garda Síochána Online Hate Crime Reporting Facility Launch

A new, non-emergency online Hate Crime reporting mechanism has been launched by gardaí today.

It is intended that the facility, which can be accessed through www.garda.ie will encourage victims to report such abuse to An Garda Síochána in "a safe and secure way" and will allow for the appropriate response and support to be provided.

All reports will be examined by dedicated members of the GNDIU, who will ensure appropriate action is taken to record and respond to reports.

Gardaí hope it encourage victims of hate crime, who may have previously been reluctant, to make a report.

Speaking today, Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement said:

"Access to online reporting enables victims to report hate crime in a way they may feel more comfortable with. We understand that not everyone wants to go to a Garda station to make reports. This facility gives victims the opportunity to report non-emergency incidents to An Garda Síochána. I would urge anyone who feels they have been a victim of hate crime to report it to us. Let’s stop hate crime together.

Devastating

"The impact that Hate Crime can have on individual victims, their families, the groups to which they belong and wider society can be devastating. Although diversity and integration touches on many different areas in relation to policing, the manner in which An Garda Síochána challenges the prevalence of Hate Crime in our society can be seen as reflective of our commitment and ability to protect the rights of those from diverse or minority communities.”