Report Hate Crimes

To report hate crimes, call 911 or your local police department.  Assistance for survivors of hate crimes is available through:  
HATE-CRIME NETWORK (USA/international)

click here

Hate Crime National Hotline (USA) 206-350-HATE (4283)
 
   

What to do following an incident

If you have been victimized in a hate crime or hate incident, here are some suggestions for things you should immediately do:

  • In an emergency, dial 911, 0, or the emergency number in your area.
  • Get medical attention for any injuries.
  • Call the police as soon after the incident as possible. You may be eligible for financial compensation for damages.
  • Get the responding officer's name and badge number.
  • Write down all details of the crime as quickly as possible after the reporting.
  • If you saw the perpetrator(s), try to remember gender, age, height, race, weight, build, clothes and other distinguishing characteristics. If anything was said, such as anti-gay epithets or threats, make a mental note about them.
  • Carefully preserve any evidence, such as notes, clothing, graffiti, tape recordings, fingerprints, etc. Take photographs of any injuries and of the location where the incident occurred.
  • If you want the crime to be reported as a hate/bias crime, tell the officer to note that on the report.
  • Make sure the officer files an incident report form and assigns a case number.
  • If the police do not assist you properly, file a complaint and contact LAMBDA immediately.
  • If a police report is not taken at the time of your report, go to the police station and ask for one. Always get your own copy.
  • Contact your local GLBT community center, P-FLAG, the HATE-CRIME NETWORK, or the Hate Crime National Hotline (206-350-4283) for assistance & information -- even if you choose not to contact the police.  Contact your District Attorney's office or police department's victim services unit.
  • LAMBDA's Anti-Violence Project can often provide you with referrals to local anti-violence and victim advocates in your area.
  • To complete a report online, click here.
Even if you don't feel comfortable reporting to the police, report what happened to the HATE-CRIME NETWORK.  No problem is too small, no incident is insignificant. We care and we can help.

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