Although not every type of hate violence act is considered criminal or illegal, they should all be reported to authorities.

What is a hate crime?

• A criminal act committed against a person or group of people who are targeted because of their actual or perceived race, ethnicity, skin color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation.
• Evidence of bias can be direct or circumstantial and can occur before, during, or after the offense.

What is a criminal threat?

• A criminal offense where the perpetrator has threatened violence with spoken or written words against a specific person or group of people and causes reasonable and sustained fear.
• Does not have to be bias motivated.

What is a hate incident?

• Acts of prejudice that are not crimes and do not involve violence, threats, or property damage.
• Includes derogatory name calling, bullying, hate mail, and cross-burning, among other things.

What is hate speech?

• Offensive or hurtful words that are directed against a member of a protected class, but no direct threat is made.
• These are not hate crimes and are considered free speech.

What are protected classes?

• Race
• Color
• Religion (including religious dress and grooming practices)
• Sex/Gender
• Sexual Orientation
• Disability
• Age (0ver 40)
• National Origin
• These are the most known protected classes, but in California there are many more. Visit http://senate.ca.gov/content/protected-classes for more information.