The term "hate crime" describes various crimes of violence against a person, threats of violence against a person, or damage to property because of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender or sexual orientation, or because there is a perception the person has one or more of those characteristics.
If you are a victim of a hate crime you should call the police immediately, seek medical attention if necessary, document the exact words spoken to you by the criminal as soon as practical, photograph property damages, if applicable, and save any evidence which might aid in the apprehension and prosecution of the criminal.
If you are a victim of a hate crime, you do not have to reveal your sexual orientation, religious preference or national origin.
For further information, the District Attorney's Office has
brochures on hate crimes available. The office is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of all persons to be free of fear, intimidation, acts of violence, property damage, harassment, or intimidation caused by activities of violent persons.
For More Information Please Contact:
Hate Crimes Team
Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office
70 West Hedding Street, West Wing
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: (408) 792-2976 DDA Erin West
Phone: (408) 792-2821 CADA Jay Boyarsky
Email:
publicinformation@da.sccgov.org