Violence motivated by hatred for a person's race, religion or sexual orientation is sadly a persistent problem that features in societies around the world.
However, the video widely shared on social media this week of a teenager being savagely attacked by a group of boys in Co Meath will have shocked even those inured to dealing with such cases.
The 14-year-old boy was set upon while walking in a public space in Navan, with the horrific footage showing him being repeatedly punched and kicked even while lying defenceless on the ground.
As well as the appalling level of violence, it was alarming how long the attack was allowed to continue before any bystanders intervened.
Details of the sustained assault sparked an outpouring of sympathy for the victim as well as condemnation across the community of those responsible.
The teenager was treated in hospital for serious facial injuries and gardaí have made a series of arrests.
Two teenage boys were still being questioned yesterday in connection with the attack, which happened in broad daylight on Monday afternoon.
Three other boys were arrested and later released without charge, with a file referred for consideration for admission to a Juvenile Diversion Programme.
While the precise motivation for the attack has not been disclosed, gardaí are treating it as a hate crime, defined as relating to a victim's age, disability, race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has intervened personally in the case, speaking to the teenager and his mother in a video call, while education minister Norma Foley has also been in contact with his school.
It will be important that the victim receives every support in the days and weeks ahead as he recovers from the attack and hopefully is able to return to class.
Gardaí, politicians and children's charities have meanwhile urged people not to share the video, with a new commission for regulating broadcasters and online media, Coimisiún na Meán, also expressing its concern.
It has said when fully operational, it will seek to compel social media platforms to speedily remove harmful content.
The public furore has, however, succeeded in placing a spotlight on wider issues around violence, bullying and online safety.
It must be hoped that out of such a disgraceful episode, a similar attack can be made less likely in future.
