Gender-based violence and misogyny is a serious epidemic in our society.

While gender-based hate crime is currently not covered under UK-wide Hate Crime legislation, Stop Hate UK have been recording gender-based hate crimes for many years.

Gender-based hate crimes disproportionately affect women and girls as it is driven by misogyny, the belief that women are a lesser gender than men and should always remain at a lower status than men.

Dr Margaret Chan, World Health Organisation’s Director-General Dr Margaret Chan said last year that “violence against women is a global health problem of epidemic proportions”. This sentiment is reflected by the grim scale of violence against women in the UK.

Gender-based hate crime can also affect men. It is known as misandry and is defined as hatred of, contempt for, or prejudice against men or boys.

Experiencing gender-based Hate Crime can be extremely isolating and distressing. Neighbourhood Watch encourages members of the public to report any gender-based hate crimes that they witness or experience to the police, and to access information on guidance and support around experiencing or witnessing gender-based hate crimes.

 

Resources and information