NCJ Number
204695
Date Published
January 2003
Length
64 pages
Annotation
This guide for addressing hate violence in California provides information on why hate violence occurs, how communities have attempted to counter intolerance, the community organizations that have resources to provide assistance in dealing with hate violence, and what victims of such violence should do.
Abstract
"Hate violence" is defined as "acts that are done to emotionally or physically harm someone or damage their property because they possess certain characteristics." In California, "identities" protected by hate crime laws are race, color, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, or having a disability. One section of this guide describes how the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) addresses hate violence through public education and enforcement of the Ralph Act, which provides sanctions for hate violence. This is followed by instructions on how to file a hate-violence complaint with DFEH. A section on victim assistance provides suggestions for victims and witnesses and for victim assistance providers. Suggestions for victims are to look for witnesses and keep the area where the incident occurred as it is. Victims and witnesses are advised to compose a written record of what happened as soon as possible after the incident. Suggestions for victim assistance providers are to determine whether the victim has physical injuries that need immediate attention; ensure that police are notified; obtain information on law enforcement jurisdiction; determine the perpetrator; assess victim needs; and draft an assistance plan. A section on preventing hate violence notes why hate violence occurs and offers suggestions for prevention strategies. Another section focuses on community organizing methodologies that encompass the selection of an organizational structure, introduction of the network concept to the community, and the structuring of the network. A section on resources has categories for California State government offices, local government and community-based organizations, and U.S. Government offices. The concluding section profiles State and Federal laws and court decisions that pertain to hate violence.