Abstract

PICADO VALVERDE, Eva María et al. Police identification in aporophobia cases: Challenges and strategies. Rev. Crim. [online]. 2025, vol.67, n.2, pp.123-139.  Epub Oct 18, 2025. ISSN 1794-3108.  https://doi.org/10.47741/17943108.623.

Hate crime surveys in Spain reveal a small number of incidents of aporophobia, with a probable ‘black figure’ due to under-reporting and lack of training of professionals in its detection. This study assesses the knowledge and training of security agents regarding the situation of homeless people and aporophobia and describes the profile of aggressors and victims. Using a qualitative methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 officers with more than five years of experience. A general lack of knowledge of the phenomenon was discovered. Although the agents have interacted with homeless people, they have not dealt with specific cases of aporophobia. According to the officers interviewed, aporophobic assaults, mainly physical, occur in large cities, and the victims are perceived as lonely, without support, and with mental health problems. The aggressors, usually young people under the influence of alcohol or drugs, act in groups for fun, taking advantage of the vulnerability of the victims. Failure to detect these situations can have serious consequences, such as the social isolation of the victims and the normalisation of violence. It is essential to improve the training of officers and develop a specific protocol to ensure effective intervention. The study recognises limitations, such as the lack of training in non-specialised units, which underscores the need to integrate this approach into the training of all agents.

Keywords : Aporophobia; discrimination against the poor; hate crime; victims.

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