Overview of Perpetrators

There are difficulties in developing offender profiles of perpetrators of racial incidents. The current picture of perpetrators is limited. Victims may not have seen the perpetrators of some racist incidents which include stealing from the washing line, vandalising cars, smashing windows, making malicious and threatening telephone calls, posting threatening notes or noxious substances through the letter box. On the other hand, the victim is more likely to have witnessed those who carry out face-to-face violence or threats. Thus, victim reports tend to focus on this particular group of perpetrators

Sibbit, R. (1997) The perpetrators of racial harassment and racial violence. Home office Research Study 176. Home Office. London. http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/horspubs1.html