In response to the rise in hate crimes and the start of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month ?AAPI?, Governor Gavin Newsom, along with the California Department of Civil Rights ?CRD?, officially launched CA vs. Hate, a new multilingual state website and hotline offering a secure and anonymous reporting option for victims and witnesses of hate acts.
The CA vs Hate Program seeks to be a direct response to the rise in reported hate crimes in California, which in recent years reached its highest levels since 2001, jumping nearly 33 percent from 2020 to 2021.
"Here in California, we are sending an unequivocal message that hate will not be tolerated," Newsom said.
“We stand for a California for All and it is important that we hold perpetrators accountable for their actions and provide resources for those who are victims of hate crimes. Now, Californians have another tool to ensure that not only justice is served, but that people have access to additional resources to help deal with the lingering wounds that remain after such a horrendous crime occurs."
Image: cavshate.org
At the time, the governor's wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, noted that “it is horrible that hate crimes are on the rise, so let's be clear: we support our diverse communities and are committed to ensuring that they feel safe and heard. There is no place here for intolerance and violence fueled by hate."
Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi started the conversation to create a statewide hate crime hotline in 2021 – this program will help people and communities who are targets of hate, including Asian Americans, Latinos, African Americans, LGBTQ+ people, religious minorities, and other communities that make up the diversity and strength of California.
Hotline services are confidential and free, regardless of immigration status.
These services are offered in a culturally competent manner and will help people identify options and next steps after a hate incident or hate crime has occurred.
Hate acts can be reported in 15 different languages through the online portal and in more than 200 languages by calling the hotline.
“With the launch of the Ca vs Hate Resource Line and Network, we unequivocally affirm that there is no home and no place for hate in California,” said Lourdes Castro Ramírez, Secretary of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency.
“We are redoubling our commitment to combat hate by harnessing the strength of our diversity and empowering Californians with resources and support to prevent and end hate in all its forms,” he added.
The hotline will also be complemented by a multilingual outreach campaign, which will emphasize community engagement, as well as aim to support efforts that encourage reporting and access to resources through targeted public service announcements, direct marketing and other activities.
Image: cavshate.org
CA vs Hate will also seek to overcome reporting challenges, whether due to fear of retaliation, lack of trust, or other issues, by offering hate subjects a community-focused approach that requires no engagement with the criminal legal system.
The CA vs Hate Resource Line and Network is for reporting non-emergency hate crimes and incidents.
Reports can be made anonymously by calling (833) 866-4283 or 833-8-NO-HATE, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., or online anytime.
People who want to report a hate crime to the police immediately or who are in imminent danger, please call 911.
For more information on CA vs Hate, those interested can visit www.cavshate.org.
This publication was supported in whole or part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
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