Experiencing or witnessing a hate-motivated attack can be traumatic. We encourage you to take the following steps.
If you are the victim of a hate-motivated attack:
- Get to safety. Go to a public location, a police station, or a friend’s home.
- Do not engage with the aggressor.
- If you have no choice but to engage with the aggressor:
- Do not reveal personal information.
- Do not attempt to reason with the aggressor.
- Try to build a safe environment around you by enlisting the help of bystanders.
- Get the names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails of other victims and witnesses.
- Report the incident. Even if you do not press charges, you can help prevent this from happening to others.
If you witness a hate-motivated attack:
- Decide if you can step in and stay safe. If the aggressor is physically threatening, consider if stepping in could make the situation worse.
- If your safety is threatened, immediately call the police at 911.
- Video or audio record the altercation if it is safe to do so.
- Ignore the aggressor and focus on the victim. Approach and speak directly to the victim to let the person know that s/he is not alone. Change the focus of the conversation, “Would you like me to walk you to the library?” or “Would you like to get a coffee?”
- Keep building a safe environment by enlisting the help of other by standers.
- Lead the victim away to a safe place, such as a public location or police station.
- Report the incident. You can help prevent this from happening to others.