A hostile expression or action committed, in whole or in part, because of a person's actual or perceived identity(ies) or characteristic(s), including race, color, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender, including gender identity, and/or because that person is a part of a protected group.

There are two main kinds of hate incidents – (1) acts of hate that are not crimes but violate civil rights laws, and (2) acts of hate that may not violate the law. Both types cause significant harm to communities.

Some examples of hate incidents can include: derogatory name calling, bullying, hate mail, and refusing service.

Under California law, a hate crime is a criminal act committed, in whole or in part, because of one or more of the following actual or perceived characteristics of the victim: disability, gender, gender identity, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation; or because of the person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

We encourage anyone who feels they have been targeted because of their actual or perceived identity to report it. You do not need to know whether it was a hate incident or hate crime. CA vs Hate is always an option for support.

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. Below is a step-by-step process of what it may look like to report hate with California vs Hate. 

• Step 1: Identify and recognize a hate incident that occurred (either witnessed or experienced)

• Step 2: Call 833-8-NO-HATE or report online at CAvsHate.org 

• Step 3: Report the incident to the trained professional. If you’d like to receive support services, you can opt into care coordination.

• Step 4: Get connected or receive a call back within 24 hours from a care coordinator 

• Step 5: The assigned care coordinator connects you to free resources and support. There is an option to stay in touch with your care coordinator for as long as it takes to get you the help you need.

Data is securely collected by 211.org and shared with the California Civil Rights Department. We will never ask for immigration status unless you are requesting assistance or help relating to immigration.

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.

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.

California vs Hate will also identify civil legal options that don’t involve the criminal legal system, both through the Civil Rights Department and other agencies.

Through our 211 network, our network of partners provides support such as legal aid, financial services, mediation, mental health support, connecting victims to advocates, ongoing support, and filing a civil rights complaint. 

If you file a civil rights complaint or police report, that respective agency is responsible for pursuing any legal action. When you report with California vs Hate, you are directed to support services based on your specific needs. If requested, our care coordinators can help assist in filing police reports or civil rights complaints.

There are a few important reasons why it’s important to report hate. Below are a few:

• Support for You & Others – Reporting connects you to resources, including mental health support, legal aid, and community assistance.

• Prevention & Accountability – It helps track patterns of hate and can lead to action that prevents future incidents.

• Community Strength – When hate goes unreported, it remains invisible. Reporting builds awareness, stops the normalization of hate in our communities,  and strengthens collective efforts against hate.

• Policy & Funding – Data from reports helps inform policies and direct funding to communities most impacted by hate.

Any victim of or witness to a hate incident or crime in California can report it and receive support any time using the link above. 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.