Amid Ongoing Reports of Increased Hate Activity, Civil Rights Department Highlights Resources and New Materials to Help Connect Californians with Support

SACRAMENTO – Amid ongoing reports of increased hate activity, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) today highlighted new informational materials to help connect Californians with support through California vs Hate, the state’s anti-hate hotline and resource network. CA vs Hate provides a safe, anonymous option for victims and witnesses of hate to report and get assistance, including access to mental health, financial, and legal services. As part of CRD’s ongoing efforts to reach historically underserved communities, many of the materials shared today are now available in more than 20 languages, including new translations into Arabic and Hebrew.

“Hate does not belong in California,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “By expanding resources and tools, the California Civil Rights Department is making our communities safer and promoting healing. Report and find assistance using these resources today.”

“California is leading the nation in our efforts to combat hate,” said CRD Director Kevin Kish. “Whether it’s at a place of worship, in a classroom, or anywhere else, there is no place for hate in our state. I encourage everyone to take advantage of California vs Hate to report and get support. Together, we can help ensure all of California’s communities get the assistance and healing they need.”

Officially unveiled last year by Governor Newsom, CA vs Hate is in direct response to the rise in reported hate crimes in California, which, in recent years, have reached their highest levels since 2001 — jumping more than 20% from 2021 to 2022. In addition, CA vs Hate has seen an increase in preliminary reports of hate in the three months following the start of the conflict in the Middle East as compared to the prior three months, rising from approximately 171 reports to 237. However, it is important to note that changes in reporting to CA vs Hate may vary based on a variety of factors, including ongoing efforts to increase awareness of the hotline and resource network. The new informational materials announced today build on CRD’s ongoing work to serve all California communities, including through a multilingual digital, print, and radio ad campaign, community-specific outreach efforts, and supporting statewide civic action as part of United Against Hate Week. Specifically, the new materials being highlighted today include:

• A one-page infographic to provide clear, concise information on what happens when you report to CA vs Hate and what resources are available.
• New translations for CA vs Hate posters and social media graphics into Arabic, Bengali, Chinese Traditional, Dari, Farsi, Filipino, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Pashto, Russian, Samoan, Tamil, Thai, and Tongan.
• A fictional case study example to help members of the public better understand the types of services available through CA vs Hate.
• A set of virtual backgrounds for online meetings and calls to help encourage reporting and increase awareness of CA vs Hate.

Many hate crimes have historically gone unreported due to a variety of factors, including fear of retaliation, lack of culturally competent resources, concern around potential immigration consequences, and distrust of law enforcement. CA vs Hate aims to help address some of these issues by offering people targeted for hate — and their communities — additional resources to report acts of hate through a community-centered approach that does not require engagement with the criminal legal system. Hotline services are confidential and provided for free, regardless of immigration status. CA vs Hate accepts all reports of hate acts and is not limited to only receiving reports that rise to the level of a criminal offense.

CA vs Hate is a non-emergency, multilingual hate crime and incident reporting hotline and online portal. Reports can be made anonymously by calling (833) 866-4283, or 833-8-NO-HATE, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT or online at any time. Hate acts can be reported in 15 different languages through the online portal and in over 200 languages when calling the hotline. For individuals who want to report a hate crime to law enforcement immediately or who are in imminent danger, please call 911. For more information on CA vs Hate, please visit CAvsHate.org.

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is the state agency charged with enforcing California’s civil rights laws. CRD’s mission is to protect the people of California from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and state-funded programs and activities, and from hate violence and human trafficking. For more information, visit calcivilrights.ca.gov.

Press Release (PDF) Amid Ongoing Reports of Increased Hate Activity, Civil Rights Department Highlights Resources and New Materials to Help Connect Californians with Support