Illinois launched a new hotline and website for reporting hate crimes amid a rise in reports seen across the country.
The state rolled out its Help Stop Hate initiative on Oct. 30, allowing victims and witnesses to anonymously report hate crimes, bias and other forms of harassment through an online portal at ILStopHate.org or by calling 877-485-HATE (4283). The hotline is available in seven languages, including English, Spanish, Tagalog, Hindi, Arabic, Mandarin and Polish.
When people report incidents, they have toe option to be connected with resources like law enforcement, mental health experts, community organizations and other forms of support, said Gov. JB Pritzker.
“These incidents too often go unreported because victims are unsure where to turn, hesitant to call the police or maybe unaware that the act could be investigated as a hate crime,” Pritzker said. “This service will allow people to report hate online or with a call to a specialized, trained person who is culturally competent and can provide trauma-informed care.”
Help Stop Hate launches as hate crimes are surging both across the country and within Illinois.
Hate crimes reached an all-time high nationally last year, according to data kept by the U.S. Department of Justice.
In Illinois, there were 346 hate crimes reported in 2022, up from 98 in 2021, according to the Department of Justice. Data for 2023 was not yet available.
“These incidents are happening more and more frequently, and they are an anathema to us all,” Pritzker said. “Words of denunciation aren’t enough. We—those who stand against hate, those who stand by our neighbors and those who stand up for a free and inclusive Illinois—must take action.”
Help Stop Hate’s announcement comes in the wake of an attack against an Orthodox Jewish man who was shot while walking to his synagogue in West Rogers Park, according to a report from the Sun-Times. While the incident remains under investigation, Pritzker said he was “horrified” by the possibility it was motivated by the man’s religion.
“It is an urgent reminder of the progress that we still have to make,” Pritzker said.
Help Stop Hate is supported by a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, said Jim Bennett, director of the Illinois Department of Human Rights. The program is also built into Illinois’ budget.
Bennett said the program will help officials identify patterns of where, when and why hate crimes are happening so the state can have a better idea of where to focus its efforts.
The state is also gathering information through town halls hosted by the Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes, Bennett said. The commission is also beginning a statewide study on hate early next year.
Help Stop Hate’s launch also fulfilled the commission’s top recommendation made in 2022 that suggested the state establish a hate crimes and bias incident helpline that’s separate from law enforcement, Bennett said.
“To stop acts of hate, we need to know when, where and, most importantly, why they happened,” Bennett said. “Help Stop Hate will work to fill that gap.”
Channyn Lynne Parker, CEO of Brave Space Alliance who sits on the Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes, encouraged people to use the service because it will help prevent other acts of hate from happening in the future.
“By reporting hate through Help Stop Hate, you will help us better understand when wand where hate acts are happening so we can funnel resources to the communities where they are most needed,” Parker said. “Your reports will make a difference in stopping the rise of hate.”
The post Illinois launches new hotline for anonymously reporting hate crimes appeared first on Windy City Times.