Californians Are Speaking Out Against Hate: Nearly 1,000 Reports Filed in 2025
New data from the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) shows that the statewide hotline received nearly 1,000 reports of hate from across 46 counties in 2025. Since launching in May 2023, CA vs Hate has responded to more than 6,800 requests for help, including support for both hate incidents and non-hate concerns.
“Everyone deserves support after experiencing hate,” said Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Secretary Tomiquia Moss. “Through CA vs Hate, Californians have a trusted place they can turn to, and thousands of people have already reached out. From mental health counseling to legal assistance, the hotline is a nation-leading example of how we can drive real impact when we work together with our local partners.”
“The data is clear: Californians want support after experiencing hate,” said CRD Director Kevin Kish.“Through CA vs Hate, we’re working directly with community partners all across California to help bridge the gap between services and the people who need them. No matter the language you speak or where you come from, you can call 833-8-NO-HATE and get confidential support. Join us in the fight against hate. Use your voice to stand up for yourself and your community.”
What was reported in 2025?
In 2025, CA vs Hate continued to see ongoing demand for support available through the hotline and resource network. Although reports to CA vs Hate provide valuable insight, they do not represent all hate incidents that have happened in California. The data is based on self-reported experiences from individuals affected by hate who have reached out to the hotline.
Key findings from 2025 include:
992 reports of hate made to the hotline, including reports made online and over the phone.
Of those reports, roughly 7 out of 10 agreed to follow up for services, including legal aid or counseling.
Reports were made from 46 counties, including all 10 of the state’s most populous.
Racial or ethnicity bias was mentioned in 47% of reports, followed by gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation (19%), religion (18%), and disability status (9%).
Some of the most reported locations were residential (36%), public facilities or businesses (16%), and at work (9%).
Some of the most reported incident types were verbal harassment (68%), discriminatory treatment (48%), and intimidation or threats of violence (40%).
California’s Broader Efforts to Address Hate
California continues to advance a range of efforts to respond to and prevent hate. From cracking down on hate littering to taking steps to prevent gun-related hate crimes, California is all in when it comes to strengthening state laws aimed at protecting people from hate and discrimination. For instance, last year, Governor Newsom signed legislation to help ensure any threats made against schools, workplaces, houses of worship, and medical facilities can be prosecuted. The new law built on past efforts such as legislation to ensure law enforcement in California adopt hate crimes policies and strengthen penalties for the use of hate symbols.
With nearly $100 million in grants directly to community organizations providing services to victims and survivors of hate incidents and hate crimes and their families to over $225 million in state funding to support physical security measures for roughly 1,200 faith communities and nonprofits, California has also taken important steps to protect communities against hate-motivated violence and to ensure people have a place to go in the aftermath of hate. The state also continues to support the work of the California Commission on the State of Hate to track trends in hate and inform policy. Earlier this year, the Commission released its third annual report with new interim policy recommendations to strengthen existing state efforts to combat hate.
You can learn more about the data in the 2025 CA vs Hate infographic.
