Community-Based Hate Reporting Program and tool launched in Durham Region

Whitby, Ontario – In response to recent high-profile hate activity, the Region of Durham has partnered with Victim Services of Durham Region (VSDR) to launch a Community-Based Hate Reporting Program—the first of its kind in the Greater Toronto Area.

Developed in consultation with human rights and religious organizations, as well as local community service providers, the program, which is being run by VSDR and offered in multiple languages, consists of an online tool that allows individuals to securely and confidentially report incidents of hate—even those that do not meet the threshold of criminality.

In addition to reporting, individuals who have experienced acts of hate can access wrap-around services, including immediate crisis response, counselling, practical assistance, and referrals for additional support. The program also accepts both anonymous reporting and witness-submitted reports to enhance data collection, which will help inform future strategies and provide more accurate aggregate data to uncover trends and patterns of behaviour about hate incidents in Durham Region. 

Fast facts:

• Hate-motivated crimes/incidents in Durham Region increased by 77 per cent from 2023 to 2024.
• This program aligns with the Durham Regional Police Service Hate Crime Unit, offering an alternative for those may not be comfortable, or are unable to report directly to police.
• Research shows hate activity is significantly under-reported. According to Statistics Canada’s 2019 General Social Survey, Canadians self-reported over 223,000 hate-motivated incidents in one year, yet only 22 per cent were reported to police. Barriers to reporting include language challenges, fear of retaliation, normalization of hate, and uncertainty about where to report.
• Community-based hate reporting programs have been successfully implemented internationally and locally, including in Hamilton, Waterloo, Chatham-Kent, and Ottawa, but the program is the first of its kind in the Greater Toronto Area.

The Community-Based Hate Reporting Program builds on the Region’s other anti-hate initiatives, including Together Against Hate Durham, a three-phased campaign that launched in October 2025. It provides educational tools and resources so municipalities, organizations, institutions, and individuals can take meaningful action against hate in all its forms.

A Community Healing Toolkit is also being created for community leaders and ambassadors throughout Durham Region and offers trauma-informed and culturally affirming guidance for restoring well-being, healing and resilience following a traumatic incident.

For more information about the Community-Based Hate Reporting Program visit victimservicesdurham.ca/antihate.

For more information about the Region of Durham’s anti-hate initiatives visit durham.ca/anti-hate.

Quotes:

“In Durham Region, diversity is one of our greatest strengths—and it’s essential to protect. The Community-Based Hate Reporting Program is one of the ways we can do that. By partnering with Victim Services of Durham Region on this initiative, we can increase safety and inclusion, while providing invaluable supports. When we act together, we increase trust, connection and a shared sense of belonging while sending a clear message that hate has no home here.”

- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham

“Hate motivated incidents cause real harm to individuals, families, and entire communities. The launch of the Community‑Based Hate Reporting Program is an important step in ensuring people across the Region of Durham have a safe, accessible, and compassionate way to report these experiences and receive support. Through our partnership with Victim Services of Durham Region, we are strengthening our collective response to hate by centring survivors, building trust, and ensuring incidents are acknowledged, documented, and addressed. This initiative reflects our commitment to equity, inclusion, and community safety for everyone who calls Durham home.”

- Allison Hector-Alexander, Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Region of Durham

“Victim Services of Durham Region (VSDR) is proud to partner with the Region of Durham to launch the Community‑Based Hate Reporting Program, an important step toward ensuring individuals impacted by hate feel supported, heard, and safe. This program is rooted in a community-based approach that addresses the impact of hate incidents, even if they do not meet the threshold of a criminal offence.. By providing a secure and confidential way to report hate outside of traditional systems, VSDR is working to reduce barriers to reporting and ensure people can come forward in a way that feels safe for them. Through access to needs‑based supports and the ability to submit anonymous and witness reports, this program strengthens our collective understanding of hate incidents and helps inform more responsive and inclusive prevention efforts across Durham Region.”

- Sydney Marcoux, Executive Director, Victim Services of Durham Region

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