Racist victimisation has become a key area for government policy in many countries. At the same time there is a growing body of knowledge about the experiences, needs and wishes of the survivors of racist victimisation. This article analyses the extent to which changes in the law of Scotland concerning racist crimes are likely to be effective in dealing with racist victimisation. Drawing on a research project about racist crime in Scotland it examines perceptions of racist crime and victimisation in that country, analyses data on prevalence, considers some legal problems raised by this legislation and also highlights practical difficulties in implementing the law.
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