WHAT TO DO IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS A VICTIM OR WITNESS TO A HATE CRIME Get medical assistance
It is
important to get medical assistance for serious injuries before doing anything else. Get help to reduce the trauma
Everyone
responds to traumas in different ways. If you are fearful
of going outside, or feel you will be unable to carry on your normal
activities without assistance get counseling. It will be easiest
to arrange counseling by calling one of the referral
sources
listed on our website. Funds may be available for treatment
and other costs through the California Compensation Board if you
report the hate crime to the police.
Call the police or get someone to call them for you
No matter how minor the incident please call the police or contact one of the referral sources and ask them to contact the police and monitor the response for you. You may be
eligible for state assistance if you report the incident as a hate crime. Document evidence of the incident
If the incident includes graffiti or vandalism do not move, handle, or erase it without contacting the
police. Take pictures or ask the police to take pictures or take other steps to preserve the evidence. Get names of witnesses and write down what happened, including descriptions of the perpetrators and
their vehicles if known. Get Legal Assistance
If you know the identity of the perpetrator(s) you can get a restraining order and file a claim for damages under the Ralph or Banes Civil Rights
Act. You can contact the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, or a private attorney for assistance. If you are having problems getting assistance please call an agency on our referral list
or call CAHRO. |
