According to Petrosino (2003: 10), hate crimes can be defined as “..the victimization of minorities because of their racial or ethnic identity by members of the majority. » (p. 4) Hate crimes are also known as bias crimes because they are motivated by bias against one or more people, including but not limited to those of one gender , of a different ethnic origin, religion or sexual orientation. Hate crimes are very serious and have serious and lasting effects on the targeted victims. Due to the severity of the crimes, many countries have implemented strict laws to punish offenders. Hate crimes are not widely discussed in Canadian society because they have not been a major problem until now. “...The extent of the problem in Canada was limited to a small number of people, such activity could create a climate of malevolence and destructive to the values ​​of our society (Cohen Report, 1966: 24). Through the committee's efforts, Parliament amended the Criminal Code in 1970, making hate propaganda a punishable offense (Law Reform Commission of Canada, 1986: 7). There are several reasons why offenders commit hate crimes, they vary from case to case. In this case, however, a key element is fear, caused by ignorance. Delinquents are afraid of the unknown and of the competition that they believe exists, them against the “others”. When fear is accompanied by other factors, it can potentially lead to violent crime. “Economic or social successes achieved by certain minorities can lead to increased resentment on the part of members of the population as a whole. As Levin and McDevitt (1993: 48) argue, resentment can be found to some extent in the personality of most perpetrators of hate crimes. It can be directed at a part...... middle of paper..., or can serve as a complete defense. and aggravating circumstances are defined as “circumstances that make a crime more serious in the eyes of others; in hate crimes, for example, racism aggravates the attack, leading to a harsher sentence. (McCormick. Siegel, 2007, p.114) The involvement of organized hate groups or their members, the absence of a motive, and existing patterns of similar incidents in a particular area are signs that a crime motivated by bias may have occurred, warranting further investigation. Often, individuals are unaware that they are victims of a hate crime. It is not uncommon for victims and perpetrators to be of the same gender, race, sexuality or religion. It is not always about common differences, but rather the perception of the “difference” by the aggressor.’.