AQO 2956/22-27 Oral question to the Minister of Justice
To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on referrals to the Hate Crime Advocacy Service.
Asked by Paula Bradshaw MLA on 8 January 2026
- Answered
- Oral
- Tabled
- 8 January 2026
- Answer due by
- 20 January 2026
- Answered
- 20 January 202612 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Justice
- Priority question
- No
Answer
ANSWER
Referrals to the Hate Crime Advocacy Service (HCAS) have risen steadily over the past three years, in part driven by the unrest in August 2024 and the racist attacks in Ballymena in June 2025.
In 2024/2025 HCAS received 1369 referrals, an increase of 356 referrals over the previous year. With three months remaining in the accounting period, referrals for 2025/2026 are on course to surpass this figure.
HCAS plays an important role in supporting victims of hate crime through the criminal justice process, offering a safe and confidential space and signposting to other services such as housing, health and psychological support.
I recently had the opportunity to visit the service in person, hearing first-hand from the advocates, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them and recognise the vital work they do in supporting victims of hate crime.
While it is disappointing that our society requires this service, it is encouraging to see the increasing use of, and confidence in, a service which provides such critical support for victims of hate crime at what is, undoubtedly, a very upsetting time.