A Snapshot of Hate: Subjective Psychological Distress After a Hate Crime: An Exploratory Study on Victimization of Muslims in Canada

Abstract

Across Canada, hate crimes, especially those motivated by race, ethnicity, or religion, are still prevalent. For example, in 2019, 46% of police-reported hate crimes were motivated by race or ethnicity, and 32% were motivated by religion (Moreau, 2021). In Canada, Muslims are the second most targeted religious group in terms of hate crimes. However, Canadian research on the nature of hate crime victimization amongst Muslims and the impacts on their health and well-being is limited. The present study sought to use exploratory survey data to assess the demographic characteristics of those experiencing both verbal and physical assaults based on their religion. Further, we assessed whether those that experienced these assaults also experienced psychological distress (such as feeling nervous or hopeless). Based on a sample of 230 participants (58% women), it was found that individuals that self-identified as visibly Muslim were 3 times more likely, and those living in Vancouver were 9 times more likely, to report having been physically assaulted. Furthermore, having been physically assaulted, being a woman, residing in Vancouver, or self-identifying as visibly Muslim were factors associated with higher levels of psychological distress. This study is the first of its kind exploring the effects of hate crimes on Muslims across Canada. The impacts of hate crime on the psychological well-being of this marginalized population, especially for Muslim women, suggests a need for more research on the psychological distress of these individuals