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YOUR RIGHTS AND REMEDIES AS A VICTIM OF HATE VIOLENCE Under California law, HATE VIOLENCE is any act of violence or threat of violence against a person or their property because of that person's race, color, religion, ancestry,
national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation or position in a labor dispute. Hate crimes can be verbal or written threats, physical assault or attempted assault,
graffiti, vandalism, or property damage.There are two types of laws that protect against hate violence: CIVIL LAW and CRIMINAL LAW. The State Department of Fair Employment and
Housing (DFEH) enforces the California civil rights laws that provide protection and money damages to victims of hate violence. California law enforcement authorities, such as the police, sheriffs,
district attorney, and the Attorney General, enforce criminal laws that punish the persons committing acts of hate violence. The State Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board also provides
monetary relief to any California resident who is injured or threatened with injury as a result of a hate or bias crime. Immediate family members may also qualify for assistance under this program.
What Should Victims Do? 1. You should report any violent threat or act to the police. Call 9-1-1. If local law enforcement will not investigate, contact the California Attorney
General at
(800) 952-5225 or TTY (800) 952-5548. 2. A complaint can be filed with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. An attorney is not required and there is no fee for the
Department' s services. The complaint must be filed within one year of the act or threat of violence. TOLL FREE at: 1-866-460-HELP(4357) TDD/TTY : 1-800-700-2320 3. Victims or
their family members can call the Victim Compensation Program hotline to receive an application. All languages can be accommodated. In most cases, you must call within one year. TOLL FREE:
1-800-735-2929 TDD/TTY at: 1-800-777-922
Department of Fair Employment and Housing |
Victims Compensation Program |
Restraining orders against persons committing the act of violence |
Relocation Expenses |
Payment for property repair or replacement |
Home Security Installation |
Payment for emotional suffering and distress |
Mental Health Treatment or Counseling |
Cost of medical treatment |
Medical and Dental Expenses |
Lost wages |
Lost wages |
Monetary damages to punish wrongdoer |
Loss of support for deceased or disabled victims |
Court-ordered civil fines up to $25,000 |
Funeral and/or burial costs |
Attorney fees |
Maximum of $70,000 for individual victims |
State of California
Department of Fair Employment and Housing |
