Re-Conceptualising Repeat Reports of Hate Crime/Incidents as Hate Relationships Based on Coercive Control and Space for Action

Donovan, C.; Macdonald, S.; Clayton, J.

Abstract

Developing from existing research in the field of hate studies, this article outlines a new approach to understanding repeated experiences of hate by perpetrators who live in close proximity as neighbours to those victimised. Building on previous work, a conceptual argument is made drawing parallels between what we call ‘hate relationships’ and coercive control in domestically abusive relationships. Empirical data from a hate crime advocacy service in the North East of England evidences these parallels through consideration of the home as central to the hate experienced and the cumulative impact of a pattern of hate-motivated behaviours. As with coercive control, our analysis shows that the apparent inaction of help providers exacerbates hate relationships and their impacts. We argue that the current reliance on a criminal justice system, incident-based, approach to understanding and responding to repeat reporting of hate incidents is inadequate. Rather, an approach identifying hate relationships and intervening early in a hate relationship might better pre-empt escalation and provide possibilities for those victimised to remain in their own homes.

Citation

Donovan, C., Macdonald, S., & Clayton, J. (2023). Re-Conceptualising Repeat Reports of Hate Crime/Incidents as Hate Relationships Based on Coercive Control and Space for Action. Sociological Research Online, 28(2), 502–517. https://doi.org/10.1177/13607804211065052

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 12, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Jan 27, 2022
• Publication Date: 2023-06
• Deposit Date: Oct 25, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 27, 2021
• Journal: Sociological Research Online
• Electronic ISSN: 1360-7804
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 28
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 502–517
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/13607804211065052
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1228700