SACRAMENTO – The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) today released new statistics demonstrating ongoing demand for support and resources through California vs Hate, the state’s first-ever multilingual statewide hotline and online portal that provides a safe, anonymous reporting option for victims and witnesses of hate. In 2024, CA vs Hate received nearly 1,200 reports of hate across nearly 50 different counties.
“Hate has no place in California,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “Every person has the right to feel safe in our state. As we continue grappling with increased hate incidents, we will keep working for the health and safety of our communities.”
“The rise in reports to CA vs Hate shows the pain too many of our neighbors still endure simply for being who they are,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “Every Californian deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported. I’m grateful to the community partners who meet people with compassion and care when they need it most, turning isolation into connection and embodying the very best of California. Our state remains committed to preventing hate and nurturing belonging, because the future we want for our children depends on it.”
“California vs Hate is a nation-leading hotline that gives every Californian a platform to speak out against hate,” said Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Secretary Tomiquia Moss. “Whether it’s to get resources for yourself or to help stand up for a neighbor, your voice matters. It is one of the ways our Civil Rights Department fulfills its mission to ensure the rights of all Californians are protected. It shows you are not alone, and I’m proud to support the work of our Civil Rights Department and CA vs Hate.”
“Attacking people because of who they are or where they come from is unacceptable,” said CRD Director Kevin Kish. “In California, we take action to support one another. California vs Hate is a way for all Californians to get the resources they need to protect themselves and their communities.”
What Is CA vs Hate?
CA vs Hate is a non-emergency, multilingual hate crime and incident reporting hotline and online portal. It is run by CRD in partnership with community organizations across California and is operated by 211. The hotline uses a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach to help connect people who report with the resources that they request in their communities. Reports can be made anonymously by calling (833) 866-4283, or 833-8-NO-HATE, Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM PT or online at any time. Hate acts can be reported in 15 different languages through the online portal and in over 200 languages when calling the hotline. Individuals who are in imminent danger are encouraged to call 911.
Why A Hotline?
CA vs Hate was launched in direct response to an alarming increase in reported hate crime events across the country, which, in California, have increased by over 50% from 1,330 in 2020 to 2,023 in 2024. Despite the increase, many hate crimes have historically gone unreported due to a variety of factors, including a lack of in-language services, fear of retaliation or that nothing will be done, and distrust of law enforcement. In addition, traditional pathways for reporting hate have typically only focused on incidents that are criminal in nature, leaving many Californians without a place to go after being targeted.
CA vs Hate aims to help address some of these challenges by offering people — and their communities — resources meant to address their specific needs. This includes working with trusted community partners to provide culturally competent resources, in-language hotline services, confidential and anonymous reporting options, and a way to get support that is separate from law enforcement. Whether people report to CA vs Hate online or by phone, they are eligible to receive ongoing care coordination to connect them to resources, including legal, financial, mental health, and mediation services. Reporting helps people across California know that they are not alone in the face of hate, it helps policymakers better understand what is happening in their communities, and it gives Californians a way to take direct action against hate and promote safety.
What Was Reported in 2024?
In 2024, CA vs Hate continued to see ongoing demand for support available through the hotline and resource network. While reports to CA vs Hate serve as an important indicator, it is important to note that they should not be treated as representative of all acts of hate in California. CA vs Hate data is also dynamic and may be updated as hotline staff conduct follow up and get additional information about reports. The data is based on self-reported information from people who have experienced an act of hate. Key takeaways from the first full calendar year of CA vs Hate include:
- 1,180 reports of hate made to the hotline, including reports made online and over the phone.
- More than two-thirds of reports of hate resulted in people agreeing to follow up for care coordination services, including support accessing legal aid or counseling.
- 49 of California’s counties were represented in the data, including all 10 of the state’s most populated counties.
- Racial or ethnicity bias were mentioned in 44% of reports, followed by gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation (23%), religion (13%), and disability status (12%).
- Some of the most reported locations were residential (31%), public facilities or businesses (18%), and at work (12%).
California Leads the Charge in Fighting Hate
As reported hate crimes have risen in recent years, California has led the charge in responding through a range of proactive efforts. For instance, California has taken direct action to bolster safety and security grantsfor faith communities and nonprofits. The state has provided crucial funding to support direct services at the local level through the Stop the Hate grant program. Governor Newsom also signed legislation establishing the California Commission on the State of Hate to monitor and track hate and recommend policy to the Governor and Legislature. Earlier this year, CRD shared the results of a state-sponsored survey showing that an estimated 2.6 million Californians directly experienced at least one act of hate over the course of a year. The department also recently launched “Welcome In,” a first-of-its-kind statewide pilot program to recognize and support businesses that take steps to foster safe and inclusive environments for customers and staff.
An infographic with additional takeaways on the first full calendar year of CA vs Hate is available here.
What They’re Saying: Leaders Across California Stand United in Combatting Hate
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The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is the state agency charged with enforcing California’s civil rights laws. CRD’s mission is to protect the people of California from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and state-funded programs and activities, and from hate violence and human trafficking. For more information, visit calcivilrights.ca.gov.
View Press Release (PDF) Statewide Anti-Hate Hotline Receives Nearly 1,200 Reports of Hate in 2024
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