Final answer:
The NIJ reports that around 205,000 Americans are victims of hate crimes annually, though disparities in reporting may lead to underrepresentation of certain groups, including gender individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Department of Justice's National Institute of Justice (NIJ), an average of approximately 205,000 Americans fall victim to hate crimes each year. This number reflects the severity and impact of such crimes, which can include not only acts of violence but also the threat of force. It's important to note that there are discrepancies in reporting, with the FBI often reporting lower numbers due to underreporting and the requirement of clear proof of bias motivation. For example, in 2019, the FBI reported 7,314 criminal incidents and 8,559 related offenses motivated by bias. These numbers may not fully account for the experiences of all demographic groups, such as gender individuals, who can face higher rates of violence, including intimidation and intimate partner violence (IPV).