SAY NO TO HATE
Frequently Asked Questions
What are hate crimes?
Hate crimes are criminal acts, such as vandalism, arson, assault, or murder, in which the victim is intentionally selected because of his or her race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, accent, gender, age, disability, or actual or perceived external characteristic. Such an act may be a violation of federal law, as well as the law of many states.
Who commits hate crimes?
All kinds of people -- from all parts of society -- commit hate crimes.
They include individuals acting on their own, groups of young people who are out to seek thrills or to shock other community members, and members of organized hate groups.
What can I do if I am a victim of a hate crime?
Write down as many facts about the incident as you can.
Consult a doctor to document even minor physical injuries
Consult a therapist to assist with the emotional aspects of the attack (this also allows the therapist to document stress-related reactions).
Call the Human Relations Commission, the District Attorney's Office, and the California Attorney General's Office. It is important to record bias incidents for educational, informational, and statistical purposes. Studying trends may in turn assist in preventing and solving crimes.
What is a hate incident?
A hate incident is not a crime, but it is a hurtful act that results in the unfair treatment of a person because of his or her race, color, religion, culture, age, disability, sexual orientation, or gender. Common forms of hate incidents are hate propaganda, graffiti, or vandalism.
What can I do to fight prejudice?
- Speak out against prejudice!
Otherwise, you are sending a message that you agree with such behavior or attitudes.
- Before you make fun of someone, ask yourself how you would feel if this happened to you.
- Include everyone, regardless of his or her race, color, religion, disability, sexual orientations or gender.
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