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Addressing Anti-Hate and Social Belonging Among Justice-Involved Individuals

The John Howard Society of Ontario undertook a research project exploring the relationship between hate-motivated behaviour and social belonging among justice-involved individuals.

The project examined how experiences of stigma, isolation, and barriers to social connection can affect reintegration and, in some cases, contribute to engagement in hate-related discourse or activity.

Through a literature review and environmental scan, the research explored community-based strategies and program models that may help strengthen social connectedness, prevent hate, and support successful reintegration.

CRP undergraduate placement student Bianca Ranjan supported the project by conducting a literature review and environmental scan of existing research, programs, and initiatives addressing social belonging and hate prevention. Her work helped identify promising models and approaches that could inform the development of community-based strategies to support reintegration and reduce the risk of hate-related engagement.