What is a Hate Crime?
Victims of hate crimes are targeted individuals, groups of individuals, or property because of a perception or belief about race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or other characteristics defined under the law.
Hate crimes are often associated with violent crimes such as assault, murder, arson, vandalism, threats, or conspiring / asking another party to commit these crimes. New York State has defined what falls under the designation of hate crimes found here. Unfortunately, hate crimes have an outsized impact compared to most other types of crimes, as other members of the targeted community feel the detrimental effect of the crime on their safety and quality of life.
Programs and Resources for Victims of Hate Crimes
Safe Horizon’s mission is to provide support, prevent violence and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, including dedicated services for survivors of hate crime. We help victims of hate crimes in New York City recover from trauma while providing comprehensive services, including counseling, advocacy, and safety planning.
We are available to anyone regardless of their immigration status.
Learn more about our Support Programs:
● Community Programs
If you are unsure of what next steps to take, visit Safe Horizon’s Community Program offices that serve all five boroughs of New York City as they can assist in sharing your options.
● Crime Victim Assistance Program
Suppose you need guidance in communicating with law enforcement, reviewing police reports, or filing one. In that case, our Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) works with law enforcement officials to help victims of all crimes. Our CVAP advocates speak 15 languages and can access Language Line if needed. They will also work with victims who do not have legal status in the U.S.
● SafeChat
Get in touch with one of Safe Horizon’s client advocates through our live chat online platform to receive more information on what steps to take, advocacy, and support. Our chat is available Mon – Fri : 9:AM – 6:PM ET. If you’re in need outside our live chat hours, please don’t hesitate to contact our hotlines.
● Court Programs
Safe Horizon’s Family Court Programs and Criminal Court Programs can assist victims needing legal guidance.
● Counseling Center
The Counseling Center assists victims in healing from intense, debilitating trauma.
Additional Resources
● Our advocates are staffed within ThriveNYC as we partner with the NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes. You can find additional resources on their page.
● You may also learn more from the New York State Anti-Hate Crime Resource Guide, which covers annual reports, resources, an overview of the Human Rights Law, and their latest news and events.
● You are not alone. The United States Department of Justice provides national resources, information, who to contact, what to expect from law enforcement and more from the United States Department of Justice Hate Crime directory.
