On May 4, 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom, along with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), announced the official launch of CA vs Hate, a new multilingual statewide hotline and website that provides a safe, anonymous reporting option for victims and witnesses of hate acts. CA vs Hate is in direct response to the rise in reported hate crimes in California, which in recent years, reached their highest levels since 2001 – jumping almost 33% from 2020 to 2021.
Building on its work with LA vs Hate and Stop the Hate, 211 LA secured a competitive bid contract to operationalize and launch the CA vs Hate Resource Line and Network. In close partnership with the California Civil Rights Department, 211 LA serves as the lead agency and primary service provider. The statewide service model features many of the LA vs Hate offerings and is operated by 211 LA in partnership with the statewide network of 211 providers as the hub for reporting and follow-up.
211 LA also leverages partnerships with five other statewide community-based organizations (CBOs) to provide cultural competence, advocacy, and other direct support and interventions. We work with government agencies for interagency cooperation related to victim assistance and judicial issues. Some of the CBO partners include Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ), Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Brotherhood Crusade, Hate Violence Prevention Partnership (HVPP), and Recognize, Intervene, Support, and Empower (RISE)-program at the LGBTQ Center.
The service launch press release captures the State’s commitment to confronting hate in our State: “Here in California, we are sending an unequivocal message that hate will not be tolerated,” said Governor Newsom. “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. Now, Californians have another tool to ensure that not only justice is served, but that individuals have access to additional resources to help deal with the lingering wounds that remain after such a horrendous crime occurs.”
“In California, our diversity is what makes the nation’s most populous state a beautiful and vibrant community,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom at an event in Sacramento launching this new program. “It’s horrifying that hate crimes are on the rise, and so let it be made clear: we stand with our diverse communities, and we are committed to ensuring they feel safe and heard. There is no room here for bigotry and hate-fueled violence.”
Hotline services are confidential and provided for 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 over 200 languages when calling the hotline.
The hotline will also be complemented by a multilingual outreach campaign, emphasizing community engagement. The campaign aims to support efforts that encourage reporting and access to resources through targeted public service announcements, direct marketing, and other activities. CA vs Hate also seeks to overcome reporting challenges – whether due to fear of retaliation, lack of trust, or other issues – by offering people targeted for hate a community-centered approach that does not require engagement with the criminal legal system.
The CA vs Hate Resource Line and Network is a non-emergency, multilingual hate crime and incident reporting hotline and online portal. Reports can be made anonymously by calling (833) 866-4283, or 833-8-NO-HATE, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT or online at any time. For individuals who want to report a hate crime to law enforcement immediately or who are in imminent danger, please call 911. For more information on CA vs Hate, please visit CAvsHate.org.
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