A “victim-centred” approach requires putting the victim at the centre of the response to hate crime, recognising and working with the victim’s perspective as well as their needs. The principle of a victim-centred approach also applies to quality standards for hate crime victim support. It means understanding service seekers’ reasonable entitlements to quality service.

This guide proposes the model quality standards for hate crime victim support. This model can be applied across different national contexts, across state and civil society service providers, and irrespective of whether it is a specifically dedicated service, or a specialist part of a more generalist service. The following model quality standards for hate crime victim support are organized in three categories: service-seeker entitlements; staff competencies; and service organization and management.

The model quality standards for hate crime victim support have been developed following an in-depth analysis of quality standards documents provided by members of the EStAR Network of Experts. This is the first dedicated network of experts on hate crime victim support, comprising experts from CSOs and governments, set up within the framework of the EStAR project.

Download: Model Quality Standards for Hate Crime Victim Support