Ventura County Versus Hate

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Interface 211 Ventura County has partnered with California Vs Hate, which is a non-emergency hate incident and hate crime reporting system to support individuals and communities targeted for hate. When a hate incident is called into 211, a call specialist will assess the caller’s safety, determine the need for emergency assistance, and provide connections to local resources for physical and mental health support. We are committed to making Ventura County a more safe and inclusive place for all.

Call 211 to report

Report online

Text "nohate" to 211-211

Hate Crime Awareness Week

211VC is committed to raising awareness in the county about the program to promote Ventura County as a safe place for every community member by promoting Hate Crime Awareness Week June 16th – 22nd, 2024. This will coincide with Pride Month and Juneteenth, which serves as a perfect conduit to help build awareness in racial, ethnic, and LGBTQA+ communities.

Defining Acts of Hate

What is a hate incident?

A hostile expression or action that may be motivated by bias against another person’s actual or perceived identity(ies) and/or
because that person is a part of a protected group. Perpetrators may be motivated by different discriminatory biases, including,
but not limited to, bias on the basis of race, color, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity.
There are two main kinds of hate incidents – (1) acts of hate that are not crimes but violate civil rights laws, and (2) acts of hate
that may not violate the law but still cause significant harm in a community.

What is a hate crime?

Under California law, a hate crime is a criminal act committed, in whole or in part, because of one or more of the following actual
or perceived characteristics of the victim: disability, gender, gender identity, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual
orientation; or because of the person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived
characteristics.

Partnerships

Interface 211 Ventura County is partnered with Diversity Collective, the District Attorney’s Office, and the California Department of Civil Rights for its Ventura County Versus Hate program.

These organizations are leaders in the community fighting for ethnic and racial minorities and LGBTAQ rights and safety. As partner organizations for this program, they are integral for raising awareness in the community about the program, helping to promote Ventura County as a safe place for everyone.

If you would like to help spread awareness about Ventura County Versus Hate, click here to request our social media kit, which includes images and captions in both English and Spanish!

Frequently asked questions and resources

How do I report hate?

Any victim of or witness to a hate incident or crime in California can report it and receive support any time using the link above. You can also call 211 or (800) 339-9597 if you are out of area. You can also call 833-8-NO-HATE; (833) 866-4283 Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. If outside of those hours, you can leave a voicemail, or you can call 211 to report hate and seek support.

You can currently submit reports online in 15 languages and, when calling the hotline, you can get access to support in over 200 languages.

If you want to report a hate crime to law enforcement immediately or you are in present danger, please call 911.

What happens after you report?

Can I remain anonymous?

Is law enforcement involved?

Ventura County vs Hate is not run by the police. Your report will not be shared with law enforcement without your consent. We will only connect you with law enforcement if you request it. Our team can share information about how to report to police or local prosecutors if needed.

Ventura County vs Hate will also identify civil legal options that don’t involve the criminal legal system, both through the Civil Rights Department and other agencies.

What if I am undocumented?

Why is it important to report?

Victim resources

Counseling Services

Legal

State Resources

California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) – Learning about Eligibility: CalVCB requires reporting to a law enforcement agency, mental health provider, etc. depending on the type of crime. You may visit their website using the link above to obtain specific eligibility requirements. Please note that reporting a hate crime or hate incident to CA vs. Hate does not meet the reporting requirement for CalVCB eligibility. There are other resources available to you in California that do not require reporting to law enforcement.

1800victims – 800-842-8467 — California Victims of Crime Resource Center provides resources and referral information to victims and their families.

VINElink — National Victim Notification Network, provides victims of crime and others access to timely and reliable information regarding offenders and resources.

CDCR Office of Victim & Survivors Rights & Services — The victim of crime, a family member of a victim, or a witness who testified against the offender may request to be notified of a change to the offender’s custody status.

State Program Information – National Association of Crime Victims Compensation Boards (nacvcb.org): If you are not a California resident and the hate crime occurred outside of California, you may use this link to access a list of victim compensation programs available in the United States made available by the NACVCB.

If you need additional resources, please call 211 to be connected with a care coordinator who will follow up with you to ensure you are able to access resources and support, including legal, financial, mental health, and mediation services.