STORIES OF SUPPORT

CA vs Hate isn’t just about reporting hate; it’s about ensuring that people who reach out are heard and have the opportunity to decide what kind of support they want to access. Below are a few anonymized examples of people’s experiences with CA vs Hate and our partners through the Stop the Hate grant program. These testimonials reflect experiences from across California.

“The encouragement of somebody taking me seriously...gave me a little bit of strength, it made me feel better so that I could keep fighting.”

Anonymous

“A Care Coordinator can make a huge difference in the process. My Care Coordinator was kind and understanding, and she listened to me without judgment. She provided me with valuable resources that helped me pursue a restraining order and file charges against the person responsible for this crime. Having someone by your side who is supportive and knowledgeable, guiding you through the legal steps, can really ease the burden and help you feel empowered during such a difficult time.”

Anonymous

“[CA vs Hate] is saying ‘yes, something bad happened to you’ and they’re empowering me to take steps to take care of myself, and then they’re even following up to see how I'm doing.”

Anonymous

WHAT CAN SUPPORT LOOK LIKE WHEN REPORTING TO CA VS HATE?

Nikki and Julienne Arriola reported an incident where they were brutally attacked and robbed in broad daylight outside the California State Capitol in Sacramento. The assault left Nikki with six broken ribs and Julienne with serious knee injuries—forcing them both to stop working as caregivers.

Struggling to make ends meet, the couple reported the crime and turned to the Filipino Migrant Center (FMC), a California Department of Social Services Stop the Hate partner, for support. With FMC’s help, they filed felony charges against their attacker. Now on a path toward healing, Nikki and Julienne are dedicated to supporting their community.

WHEN DOES SUPPORT LOOK LIKE WHEN YOU REPORT TO CA VS HATE?

When Maissa began wearing her hijab to work at a grocery store, her manager told her: “Either you take off the hijab, or you have to leave work.” Maissa stood up for her right to religious expression, but ended up humiliated and sent home. Soon after, she was told she was at risk of being fired for not returning to work. She reported the incident and connected with Council on American-Islamic Relations - Los Angeles (CAIR-LA), a Stop the Hate and CA vs Hate partner. They advised her on how to assert her legal rights with confidence. The next day, Maissa returned to work with a religious accommodation letter. Her manager apologized — and Maissa hasn’t faced discrimination since. With the support of community advocates, Maissa reclaimed her power.

WHEN SOMEONE REPORTS TO CA VS HATE, WHAT CAN HEALING LOOK LIKE?

During the pandemic, Daniel tried to join a kid playing basketball when the kid responded with “I don’t want that virus.” Daniel was hurt, confused – and began distancing himself from his non-Asian peers. When the sadness didn’t go away, Daniel connected with Khmer Girls in Action (KGA), a California Department of Social Services Stop the Hate partner. At KGA, Daniel explored his Southeast Asian identity, built relationships, and unpacked how racism shapes people’s beliefs. With the support of KGA, Daniel began to heal from his experiences and became a youth leader, supporting his Black peers in combating anti-Blackness on campus. Hate isolated him. Community helped him grow.

“[CA vs Hate] verified that I wasn’t making a mountain out of a molehill, that there really was hate and unfair things happening to me and someone recognized it. The fact that they gave me the time of day verified that yes, I’m going through something here, and it’s real.”
— Anonymous

SHARE THESE STORIES OF SUPPORT