How to Respond to Hate

What is a hate crime?

According to California state law, hate crime charges may be filed when there is evidence that bias, hatred, or prejudice based on the victim's real or perceived race/ethnicity, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation is a substantial factor in the commission of the offense. This definition is codified in the California penal code sections 422.55 to 422.95 pertaining to hate crime.

What is a hate incident?

A hate incident is a non-criminal act that involves bias-motivated hostility in which a victim’s real or perceived race/ethnicity, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation is a substantial motivating factor. Some examples of hate incidents can include: derogatory name calling, bullying, hate mail, and refusing service.

California vs Hate Hotline

California vs Hate is a non-emergency reporting system designed to support individuals and communities targeted for hate. Working together across the state, we can make California a more inclusive and safer place for all.

  • Any victim of or witness to a hate incident or crime in California can report it and receive support any time at CAvsHate.org. You can also call 833-8-NO-HATE; (833) 866-4283 Monday - Friday from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. If outside of those hours, you can leave a voicemail, or you can call 211 to report hate and seek support.

    You can currently submit reports online in 15 languages and, when calling the hotline, you can get access to support in over 200 languages.

    If you want to report a hate crime to law enforcement immediately or you are in present danger, please call 911

  • Callers will be connected with a professional trained in culturally competent communication and trauma-informed practices.

    Whether you report online or by phone, you will be contacted by a care coordinator who will follow up with you to ensure you are able to access resources and support, including legal, financial, mental health, and mediation services.

  • Yes. All reports are confidential and can be made anonymously. Whether or not you report anonymously, your identity will not be disclosed without your consent unless required by law.

    California vs Hate is not run by the police. Your report will not be shared with law enforcement without your consent. We will only connect you with law enforcement if you request it. Our team can share information about how to report to police or local prosecutors if needed.

    You do not need to disclose your immigration status when you report with California vs Hate. Hotline services are provided for free, regardless of immigration status.

Not In Our Town Presents Stop Hate Action Kits

Hate requires visible and swift action.

Not In Our Town presents a series of online Stop Hate Action Kits to help communities, schools, college campuses, and law enforcement agencies accurately report and consistently respond to incidents; demonstrate support for targeted groups and all residents; and proactively create welcoming, inclusive environments.

These free resources, produced in collaboration with Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, provide community leaders and residents with practical tools and strategies, drawn from essential NIOT resources and critical third-party materials.

Find more free films and resources on NIOT.org

  • STOP HATE ACTION KIT FOR COMMUNITIES

    For community leaders, local government officials, and everyday residents, this kit includes:

    • Sample statements for civic leaders to respond to incidents

    • Advice and inspiring local stories of action when hate groups come to town

    • Proactive strategies to help cultivate safe, inclusive spaces

    • Videos and other resources for use in community events

    ... and much more. Access the community kit online now.

  • STOP HATE ACTION KIT FOR SCHOOLS

    For school leaders, educators, staff, and parents, this kit includes:

    • Strategies for building a positive school climate

    • Advice for responding quickly to individual and school-wide incidents

    • Key definitions and examples of bullying and bias-based behaviors

    • Videos and other resources for lessons and school-wide campaigns to inspire students to be Upstanders

    ... and much more. Access the school kit online now.

  • STOP HATE ACTION KIT FOR COLLEGE CAMPUSES

    For administrators, faculty, and students, this kit includes:

    • Sample statements in response to bias incidents and acts of hate

    • Advice for accurately reporting hate incidents

    • Recommendations for preventing and responding to hate on campus

    • Best practices for being an ally to targeted students and groups

    • Inspiring local examples of campuses standing up to hate and intolerance

    ...and much more. Access the campus kit online now.

  • STOP HATE ACTION KIT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT

    For law enforcement leaders and officers, training academies, and criminal justice programs, this kit includes:

    • Model protocols for hate crime reporting

    • Stories of agencies leading meaningful changes in their towns

    • Videos and other resources for use in trainings and community outreach activities

    • Recommended practices for protecting free expression and public safety during events

    • Strategies for building trust and strengthening relationships with diverse communities

    ...and much more. Access the law enforcement kit online now.