In addition to providing personal support for hate crime victims hate incident and hate crime victims, one of the best responses is to assist victims in reporting. Contact
Help victims to understand that providing information may increase the chances that the perpetrator of hate incidents and hate crimes will be identified and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Reporting a hate incident or hate crime often provides victims with the chance to express their concerns, fears, anger, or other emotions. It will also facilitate the victims' realization that they are not alone or responsible for the incident or criminal act perpetrated against them. These important steps also enable victims to begin the healing process.
* The Network for a Hate Free Community recognizes that fear of reprisal may be a real concern for the victim or the witness of a hate incident or hate crime. Therefore the Hotline Network for a Hate-Free Community and the Human Relations Commission will accept anonymous calls with the understanding that an investigation and supportive follow up may be very limited.
Department
(408) 299-2673
Help victims to understand that providing information may increase the chances that the perpetrator of hate incidents and hate crimes will be identified and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Reporting a hate incident or hate crime often provides victims with the chance to express their concerns, fears, anger, or other emotions. It will also facilitate the victims' realization that they are not alone or responsible for the incident or criminal act perpetrated against them. These important steps also enable victims to begin the healing process.
Hate incidents are activities of a non-criminal nature, such as: name calling, speech making, demonstrations, distribution of printed materials that are intentionally designed to defame individuals of a group because of their race, ethnic background, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.
The term “hate crime” describes any of various crimes of violence against a person, threats of violence against a person or property damage because of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender or sexual orientation, or because there is a perception the person has one or more of those characteristics.
4. What is the difference between a hate crime and an assault?
Assault is a common occurrence in our communities, today. An assault that takes place during a robbery however is not a hate crime. But an assault that is accompanied by derogatory reference to the race, ethnic background, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability of the victim is deemed to be motivated by bigotry, and is considered a hate crime.
6. What can I do to help and support a victim of a hate incident or hate crime?
Recognize that victims of hate tend to feel especially vulnerable because they have been attacked simply because of who they are. Hate incidents and hate crimes penetrate the very heart of an individual's sense of self by saying "Who you are is not acceptable." It is up to each of us to assure victims that they are valued members of our community.
Visit or call hate incident and crime victims to show that you are concerned about them and want to help. If the crime includes damage to property, coordinate a neighborhood repair and cleanup effort. This not only demonstrates support for victims, but also lets the perpetrators see that bigotry and intolerance are not accepted in the community.
In cases involving injuries to the victim, offer to assist with activities of daily living until the victim can resume his or her normal activities.
Respond to hate incidents and crimes that occur on school campuses through a coordinated effort the school principle or president. A presentation or facilitated dialogue on the harmful effects of bigotry and intolerance could heighten community understanding and healing.
Hate incidents and hate crimes penetrate the very heart of an individual's sense of self by saying "Who you are is not acceptable." It is up to each of us to assure victims that they are valued members of our community.
Visit or call hate incident and crime victims to show that you are concerned about them and want to help. If the crime includes damage to property, coordinate a neighborhood repair and cleanup effort. This not only demonstrates support for victims, but also lets the perpetrators see that bigotry and intolerance are not accepted in the community.
In cases involving injuries to the victim, offer to assist with activities of daily living until the victim can resume his or her normal activities.
Respond to hate incidents and crimes that occur on school campuses through a coordinated effort the school principle or president. A presentatio
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