Differences Between Hate Speech and Hate Crimes

How to know if it is Hate Crime:

1. Is the offender targeting the victim or property because they belonged to a protected group?
2. Does the victim belong to one of the following protected groups?
   • Religion
   • Race
   • Ethnicity
   • Country of origin
   • Gender
   • Another characteristic
3. Is the offender made written or verbal comments showing a prejudice?
4. Is the crime happened on a date that is important for the victim’s protected group?
5. Is the crime happened on a date that is important for the offender’s protected group?
6. Is there an organized hate activity in the area?

Did you answer “Yes” to the questions above? If Yes, then it is considered Hate Crimes!

• The offender chose the victim or property because they belonged to a protected group, like a certain religion or gender.
• The offender made written or verbal comments showing a prejudice.
• The crime happened on a date that is important for the victim’s or offender’s protected group.
• There is organized hate activity in the area.

When witnessing or facing hate speech or hate crimes, here is what you can do:

• Contact the local law enforcement agency right away.
• Get medical attention (if you need it).
• Write down the exact words that were said.
• Make notes about any other facts.
• Save all evidence (e.g., graffiti, eggshells, writing on victim’s vehicle). If safe, wait until law enforcement arrives and takes photos.
• Get the names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails of other victims and witnesses.
• Try to get a description from any eyewitnesses of the criminal or the vehicle.
• Contact community organizations in your area that respond to hate crimes.

Source:

Extracted from: Hate Crimes | State of California – Department of Justice – Office of the Attorney General