Guidance for Hate Crime Targets & Witnesses

In the U.S., hate crimes against the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community and the LGBTQ+ community have increased over the past few years. This distressing trend negatively impacts public employees, families, and friends.

If you become a target of or a witness to a hate crime, there are steps you can take to help you address the incident and reduce the risk of long-term negative impacts on your emotional well-being.

Guidance for hate crime targets or witnesses

If you become the target of a hate crime or witness a hate crime, consider the tips below to support those impacted by violence and hate crimes toward the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.  

In the initial moments:

• Get medical help if needed.
• Document the details of the incident to the best of your ability.
• Report the crime.
• Get emotional or psychological support. Consider requesting a counseling appointment.

Some suggestions for the days that follow:

• Acknowledge your thoughts and emotions.
• Identify and understand what is in your control and what is not.
• Acknowledge the things that are important to you.
• Set boundaries for social media and news consumption.
• Connect with your community members.
• Get help from your faith-based resources, if applicable.
• Minimize toxic interactions.
• Eat healthy foods.
• Be physically active to the best of your ability.
• Get enough sleep.