What is Hate?
In the context of the law, “hate” is the bias against an individual or group of people based on specific characteristics that are defined and protected by the law. Specific characteristics include:
Race
Color
Religion
National Origin
Hate Incident
Sexual Orientation
Gender
Gender Identity
Disability
vs
A hate incident is an incident or behavior motivated by hate, but for one or more reasons is not considered a crime.
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
Hate Crime
A hate crime is a crime motivated by a person’s perceived or actual identity and can be criminally prosecuted.
Physical violence: assault, murder or attempted murder, sexual assault
Property crimes: vandalism, arson, graffiti, damage to property
Discrimination
Threats
How does CA vs Hate support communities?
While perpetrators of hate incidents aren’t criminally prosecuted, we recognize the trauma and long-term impact hate incidents have on individuals and communities, and we can still take action. When a hate incident or crime occurs and is reported to CA vs Hate, care coordinators connect individuals with support services and resources, including mental health support, community advocacy, trauma and healing services, filing a civil rights complaint, legal aid, mediation, and more.
Why is it important to report, even if it’s not a crime?
While perpetrators of hate incidents aren’t criminally prosecuted, we recognize the trauma and long-term impact hate incidents have on individuals and communities, and we can still take action. When a hate incident or crime occurs and is reported to CA vs Hate, care coordinators connect individuals with support services and resources, including mental health support, community advocacy, trauma and healing services, filing a civil rights complaint, legal aid, mediation, and more.