CA vs. Hate
Governor Gavin Newsom announced today the launch of CA vs. Hate, a new statewide hotline and website to report hate acts in California. The hotline is available 24/7 and can be reached at 833-8-NO-HATE (833-866-4283).
The goals of CA vs. Hate are to help individuals and communities targeted for hate; identify options for next steps after a hate incident; connect people targeted for hate with culturally competent resources; and to improve hate incident and crime reporting data to enhance hate crimes prevention and response. (Source)
“Here in California, we are sending an unequivocal message that hate will not be tolerated. We stand firm for a California for All and it is important that we hold perpetrators accountable for their actions and provide resources for those individuals victimized by hate crimes", Gavin Newsom said.
Hate crimes and incidents are on the rise in California. In 2021, there were over 10,000 reported hate crimes, a 32% increase from the previous year. These crimes can have a devastating impact on victims, their families, and their communities.
A hate crime is a crime against a person, group, or property motivated by the victim's real or perceived protected social group. You may be the victim of a hate crime if you have been targeted because of your actual or perceived: (1) disability, (2) gender, (3) nationality, (4) race or ethnicity, (5) religion, (6) sexual orientation, and (7) association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Hate crimes are serious crimes that may result in imprisonment or jail time.
A hate incident is an action or behavior motivated by hate but which, for one or more reasons, is not a crime. Examples of hate incidents include:
- Name-calling
- Insults
- Displaying hate material on your own property.
- Posting hate material that does not result in property damage.
- Distribution of materials with hate messages in public places.
The U.S. Constitution allows hate speech as long as it does not interfere with the civil rights of others.
While the CA vs. Hate Resource Line and Network is intended to be a resource for victims and witnesses of hate crimes, it is also possible that the hotline and online portal could be abused.
Here are some ways that the CA vs. Hate Resource Line and Network could be abused:
- False reports: Someone could make a false report of a hate crime in order to get revenge on someone they don't like, or to get attention.
- Vandalism: Someone could call the hotline or report an incident online in order to get someone else in trouble. For example, someone could call the hotline and report that their neighbor has a hate symbol on their property, even if the neighbor doesn't actually have a hate symbol.
- Harassment: Someone could use the hotline or online portal to harass or intimidate someone they don't like. For example, someone could call the hotline and repeatedly report the same person for hate crimes, even if the person has never committed a hate crime.
If you suspect that the CA vs. Hate Resource Line and Network is being abused, you can report it to the California Civil Rights Department and California Department of Justice. You can also contact the hotline or online portal directly and let them know that you think someone is abusing the system.
The CA vs. Hate Resource Line and Network is an important tool for fighting hate in California. By providing a safe and confidential space for victims to report what happened, the line can help to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent future crimes.
In addition to providing support to victims, the CA vs. Hate Resource Line and Network collects data on hate crimes and incidents. This data is essential for understanding the scope of the problem and developing effective prevention strategies.
Comments / 25