top of page

Understanding & Reporting Bias Crimes

Bias crimes, also known as hate crimes, are offenses driven by prejudice against a person’s race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or national origin. Despite their serious impact, these crimes are often underreported, leaving communities vulnerable and data incomplete. This page provides critical information about bias crimes, the reporting gap, and why every report matters. By documenting these incidents, we can connect victims with support, improve law enforcement response, and advocate for meaningful policy changes. Together, we can ensure that no act of hate goes unnoticed.

statue.jpg

What Are Bias Crimes?

Bias crimes (hate crimes) are offenses motivated by prejudice against a person's race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or national origin. These range from verbal harassment to physical assault, distinguished by the prejudice motivating the act.

The Reporting Gap: Critical Statistics

The Reality vs. Reported Numbers:

​

  • FBI recorded 6,557 bias incidents nationwide in 2022

  • Yet several Texas counties reported ZERO hate crimes despite having diverse populations of 100,000+ residents

  • 69% of Houston/Harris County crime victims believed bias motivated their incident

  • Houston Police Department averages only 39 reported hate crimes annually​​

Bias Crime Reporting Gap:

Screenshot 2025-03-20 at 11.55.33 AM.png

Why This Gap Exists

  • Many victims don't know where or how to report

  • Fear of retaliation or distrust of authorities

  • Lack of understanding about what qualifies as a bias crime

  • Insufficient training for law enforcement to identify bias motivation

The Impact Goes Beyond Individual Victims

​Bias crimes affect entire communities by creating atmospheres of fear and division. When underreported, these impacts remain invisible in official data.

By The Numbers: The Real Impact

National Trends:

  • Anti-Black incidents: 3,421 cases in 2022 (3× higher than next category)

  • Hate crimes based on sexual orientation: ↑13.8% in one year

  • Gender identity-based hate crimes: ↑32.9% in one year

​

Local Impact:

  • Maryland: 265 hate bias incidents in 2023

    • 55.8% motivated by race/ethnicity

    • 21.5% motivated by religion

  • Houston study: Race/ethnicity (46%), skin color (40%), and gender (37%) most common bias factors

Why Your Report Matters

Every reported bias incident:

  • Connects victims with support services

  • Creates accurate data about prevalence

  • Guides resource allocationInforms policy changes

  • Helps hold perpetrators accountable

bottom of page