Hate crimes as an attack on our open society
Hate crimes are not only directed against the specific person affected, they are directed against the entire social group to which this person belongs. Hate not only takes place in anonymous internet forums or Telegram groups, but also in real public places – at bus stops, in school playgrounds or on sidewalks.
Hate crimes are criminal and violent acts in which the person concerned is harmed due to an actual or presumed affiliation to a social group. People from social groups that are exposed to experiences of discrimination and devaluation are particularly affected by hate-motivated violence and crimes, such as LGBTIQ* people, but also people who may be affected by hate-motivated violence due to their religious affiliation or racialization.
A common fight for a just society
It is the responsibility of all of us to create a society in which all people can live safely and with respect. This requires a strong, united community that stands up against hate crime. Only together can we build a society in which diversity is valued and discrimination has no chance.
Victims of hate crimes have the right to turn to a victim counseling center.
In Switzerland, hate crimes against queer people can be reported directly to the LGBTIQ helpline, which records the crimes statistically.
Hate crimes against queer people can take different forms. According to the Hate Crimes Report 2023, the majority of reported hate crimes took place in public spaces. One fifth of those affected experienced physical violence. Only 15% of cases were reported to the police. Many queer victims are afraid or unaware of whether the security authorities are trained to be queer-sensitive.
Opferhilfe beider Basel provides confidential support to queer victims of hate crime, arranges therapeutic and legal help if necessary and draws on a large network of LGBTIQ*-sensitive specialists. We focus on the needs of queer victims – they are not abandoned and do not have to justify themselves.
Are you affected by hate crimes and/or queer-hostile violence?
Get in touch with us.
Victim Support beider Basel
Steinengraben 5
CH-4051 Basel
Monday to Friday
8.30 – 12.00 and
from 13.30 – 16.30
