California launches anti-hate crime hotline

First partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom (speaking) leads California community leaders in the formal launch of CA vs Hate, a new multilingual statewide hotline and website at the steps of the state capitol in Sacramento. INQUIRER/Jun Nucum

SACRAMENTO – California officially launched CA vs. Hate, a new multilingual statewide hotline and website that provides a safe, anonymous reporting option for victims and witnesses of hate acts. making it the first state to formally declare its strong and active opposition against hate.

In time for Asian and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, CA vs Hate is a direct response to the rise in reported hate crimes in California, which reached their highest levels since 2001 – jumping almost 33% from 2020 to 2021. Asian communities are among the most victimized by hate incidents and crimes.

Governor Gavin Newsom, along with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), is spearheading the campaign, sending an unequivocal message that hate will not be tolerated in the Golden State. Newsom and the legislature earlier allocated $110 million to anti-hate programs.

“We stand firm for a California for All and it is important that we hold perpetrators accountable for their actions and provide resources for those individuals victimized by hate crimes,” stressed Newsom.

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“Now, Californians have another tool to ensure that not only justice is served, but that individuals have access to additional resources to help deal with the lingering wounds that remain after such a horrendous crime occurs,” Newsom added.

First partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom underscored that “all should create a California where all our dreams are possible, where we all belong and Californians will feel safe and heard. There is no room here for bigotry and hate-fueled violence.”

For his part, State Attorney General Rob Bonta in an email sent a stated that he is proud of this effort to help California’s diverse communities report hate incidents and connect them to resources.

“Hate is not welcome in California, and now more than ever we must stand united against hate and extremism,” Bonta stated in an email.  “By utilizing every resource possible, we will raise awareness around the staggering rise in hate crimes and proactively prevent future extremism from occurring.

Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) started the push for a state hate crime reporting hotline in 2021.“The pandemic of hate was not only targeting Asians so many other communities here in California. Thus, the launch of this state initiative versus hate to track data on hate incidents, provide support for victims, and make all of our communities safer,” Muratsuchi said.

Hotline services are confidential and provided for free, regardless of immigration status. These services are offered in a culturally competent manner and will help people identify options and next steps after a hate incident or hate crime has occurred. Hate acts can be reported in 15 different languages through the online portal and in over 200 languages when calling the hotline.

CA vs Hate Resource Line and Network 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.

For individuals who want to report a hate crime to law enforcement immediately or who are in imminent danger, should call 911. For more information on CA vs Hate, visit CAvsHate.org.