California soft-launches hate crimes resource line

November 3, 2022

California has opened a resource line that facilitates the reporting of hate incidents.

Soft-launched on Tuesday, the CA vs. Hate Resource Line and Network, or simply CA vs. Hate, aims to provide hate victims with culturally competent resources, including options and advice on steps to take after an incident. It will also study the data collected to improve the state’s response to hate incidents and hate crimes.

The line 833-8-NO-HATE offers services in more than 200 languages, and an accompanying online portal is available in 15 languages. While all information reported is confidential, victims can still report anonymously.

It must be pointed out, however, that the line is not a police channel, but a non-emergency number that connects victims to appropriate law enforcement. Current call wait times are no longer than three minutes, AsAm News reported.

The program aims to provide resources based on the victim’s unique situation, which may include mental health services, relocation/shelter, residential security, legal resources and other forms of services from local nonprofits, trauma centers, the California Victim Compensation Board and other victim service providers.

The Civil Rights Department first announced the line in a hate crimes resource webinar hosted by Attorney General Rob Bonta on Monday. Creation of the line was reportedly inspired by a similar channel in Los Angeles.

The department opted for an initial soft launch to gather community feedback. A hard launch is expected in early 2023 and will come with a wide-reaching, multilingual campaign.

Featured Image via CBS Los Angeles

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