Transphobic Hate Crimes in Germany: Exploring Victimization and Public Perceptions on Transphobic Hate Crimes

• In Event: Victimisation and punishment of LGTQ+

Abstract

Hate crimes against diverse groups are on the rise and are increasingly acknowledged as a pressing concern in German society, with ethnic and religious minorities being particularly affected. Victims are selected based on their identity or existing or a supposed characteristic, like migration background, sexuality, and sexual identity (transgender/non-binary). Hate crimes are regarded as a significant issue not only due to their increasing frequency but also because of their profound and lasting impacts, such as trauma, heightened fear of crime and re-victimization, or social withdrawal. Moreover, research shows that victims of hate crimes are significantly less likely to report these incidents to the police compared to victims of other crimes. Additionally, hate crime victims exhibit lower levels of trust in the police and justice system compared to individuals without any reported victimization experience. In this planned presentation I will focus on transphobic hate crimes, especially transphobic attitudes, attitudes towards transphobic hate crimes, and their relations to general public attitudes toward hate crimes. I will use the findings of the longitudinal study “Panel on the Perception of Crime and Offenders” (PaWaKS n=5174) and the cross-sectional study (N= 3000). This focus aims to enhance the understanding of the complex dynamics surrounding transphobic hate crimes and the broader German population's perceptions of hate crimes in general.

Author

• Kristin Weber, Center for criminological research saxony