How Do You Deal With Hate Crime?
A hate crime occurs when a criminal offense is committed against someone because of their religion, gender or gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Verbal abuse, threats and physical attacks are all considered hate crimes. If you are a victim take these proactive steps to deal with hate crime. Although it may be painful to carry out these steps, your action can help others avoid hate crimes. Report the crime immediately. Either go to your local police department or call in the crime anonymously. Some local police departments provide online reporting. Whether in person or online, prepare to disclose in detail the events leading up to and including the crime. Write a personal statement. Do this as soon as possible while events are fresh in your mind. Put in writing how the crime has affected you mentally, emotionally and financially and why you believe it’s a hate crime. This statement may be used in court so it helps to get the facts down quickly.
