The Hate Crimes Project
Call the 
support line at 504-872-2543
Services are FREE and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Hate Crimes Project at Family Services of Greater New Orleans is available to the community to assist with education and prevention of hate crimes in our area and the U.S. The project can provide the following services:
- Presentations on hate crimes which include information regarding hate crimes, prevention, resources for help and referrals for victim.
- A support line where victims or those affected can call for assistance and referrals.
- Free counseling for victims.
- Training for law enforcement and others on recognizing hate crimes and prevention tactics.
- Referrals to community agencies for assistance and support.
- Community Awareness.
- Consultation and technical assistance for other agencies who would like to set up similar programs.
The services discussed above are free and easy to access.
What is a Hate Crime?
- Hate crimes are horrendous acts.
- They are threats, violence and/or intimidation against someone because of their perceived race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity or disability.
- A crime of hate can be committed in several different ways. Murder, assault, vandalizing property, hateful symbols and threatening words are all examples of how hate can be expressed.
- These crimes happen more than you think. They exist in nearly every country in the world. They are often not reported to the police.
- Everyone. These are symbolic crimes which are targeting the community that the individual represents.
- When someone is the target of a hate crime, the fear and hurt from that incident spreads to other community members.
- For example, if someone is attacked because they are Hispanic, this creates feelings of fear and uneasiness in other Hispanic People
What Do Hate Crimes Look Like?
What makes hate crimes different from other crimes is the hateful motivation and the more severe impact on the victim.
Hate crimes may have:
- Bias slurs or markings used during the incident (ex: a swastika on the front of a Synagogue).
- The crime took place in an area generally used by a particular population (ex: a gay bar).
- There is no apparent motivation such as material/financial gain
- The perpetrator belongs to a hate organization.
What Can I Do to Prevent Hate Crimes?
- Be mindful of your own reactions to differences. If you hear or see another expressing a hateful stereotype, say something!
- Take responsibility by being the ears and eyes in your community and never have tolerance for hateful words or actions.
- If you witness a hate crime, report the incident. Be specific to the authorities why exactly you believe it to be a hate crime.
- Be aware that bias is not always obvious. Take the role as an advocate for diversity where you live!
- Show your desire to strengthen your community.
What Should I Do if I Am a Victim?
- If you have been hurt, harassed or victimized because of who you are, support is an important part of the recovery. Talking with friends, family or speaking out are also positive ways to help.
- Never, ever, blame yourself for what happened.
Why Do Hate Crimes Happen?
- A hate crime is an act of oppression which serves a larger purpose to frighten and intimidate.
- People who commit hate crimes wish to scare and hurt others to increase their own power in this world.
- Hate crimes are rooted in hostile stereotypes and biased views.
- Hate filled preconceptions about a group of people serve as justifications for hateful behaviors against them.
- Stereotypes dehumanize the victim who becomes merely an object for hate, rather than a person.
