''Avon and Somerset Police lead for Hate Crime, Superintendent Andy Bennet says, “Recognising gender as an aggravating factor in hate crime is a huge step towards ensuring the streets and homes we live in are free from prejudice.''
“We know women are less likely to report hate crime committed by strangers in public, which could be because discrimination is normalised for many women.''
No Andy, its because every characteristic listed in The Equality Act is protected by hate crime legislation, except 'sex', so why would women report street harassment as a hate crime? It isn't classed as one. Thats not down to us under reporting.
Actual crimes committed against women are under reported because they happen so often, we are held responsible, and perpetrators are more likely to be hit by lightening than be prosecuted.