Hate Crimes/Hate Incidents Related Support Groups

Mutual support groups whose members are individuals who have experienced a non-criminal hate incident (such as hate speech, display of offensive materials on their property and other acts that do not interfere with their civil rights) or a hate crime involving threats or criminal activity that was directed at them, their residence, their house of worship, or their business expressly because of their real or perceived race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. Hate crimes have an impact that lingers, and extends beyond the specific victim. They make members of minority communities fearful, angry and suspicious, and raise tensions that can divide and polarize neighborhoods, towns and cities. The groups meet in-person, by telephone or via the Internet; and provide emotional support, information and resources for participants.