Hate crimes have been an alarming and persistent issue in Los Angeles County and beyond. However, with dedicated efforts from 211LA’s Anti-Hate Programs, led by director Yolie Anguiano, the community is gaining critical resources to report these incidents and receive support. This initiative is part of the larger “California vs. Hate” campaign, aimed at reducing hate crimes, building community trust, and providing services to those targeted.
Most residents know the 211 programs as a central base for community members to receive a variety of health, human, and social services. However, the hate crimes reporting aspect covers a wide range of civil rights law violations, with no strict criteria for what is reportable.
“Whether it’s verbal or physical abuse, derogatory slurs, or attacks on someone’s identity—everything is reportable. We aim to provide support regardless of the hatred someone has experienced,” Anguiano said. This inclusivity means victims can report a variety of incidents, from racial discrimination to LGBTQ+ harassment, knowing they will be heard and supported.
Anguiano said the program operates with a trauma-informed care model, ensuring that survivors feel safe and understood.
“When someone reports an incident, we ask for details about what happened, and through our training, we identify the bias motivation behind it, whether it’s based on race, religion, or sexual orientation,” Anguiano said.
By understanding the underlying motivations, the program can offer targeted support to victims while working to prevent future incidents.
Like any other public initiative, community involvement is key to the success of the program. Anguiano acknowledged that many underrepresented or marginalized communities may be hesitant to report hate crimes due to distrust in law enforcement or past distress.
“We know that our community, especially those from undocumented backgrounds or cultures with a history of trauma, might not trust us right away. But we take that responsibility seriously,” Anguiano said.
To combat this challenge, the program works with various community-based organizations that already serve targeted communities. Such partnerships help build trust and provide culturally competent support for survivors.
“Our reverends, pastors, and faith-based organizations can be our greatest allies. We want them to champion our reporting program, and in turn, they inform their communities,” Anguiano said.
This relationship-building is critical in breaking down barriers and ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations feel comfortable coming forward.
When a hate incident is reported via phone or online, the team works diligently to provide care coordination and link survivors to supportive services. After an incident is reported, the program coordinates with law enforcement and other agencies to ensure the case is handled appropriately. However, the anti-hate program is not an investigative body. Its role is to support the survivor through connections to victim services, legal aid, and mental health resources.
“We want the person to know their options and feel empowered. If they want to file a police report but don’t know where to start, we’ll help them. We’ll even call the precinct with them and make sure their identity is respected,” Anguiano said.
This hands-on approach ensures that survivors are not alone in navigating the often-intimidating process of dealing with law enforcement, and it reinforces the program’s mission of providing comprehensive, compassionate care.
Measuring the effectiveness of a program aimed at reducing hate is no simple task, but the program takes a multifaceted approach.
“We meet weekly with our partners to discuss reports and strategize about the best path forward,” Anguiano said. “Effectiveness looks different for everyone, but for us, it means making sure that the person reporting is connected to the right services—whether it’s legal aid or mental health counseling.”
Data is collected to track the types of hate incidents reported and the services provided in response. The program also evaluates success based on survivor feedback, asking if they felt heard, respected, and supported.
As hate increasingly moves online, the program is adapting to address these new forms of harassment. The program is developing strategies to tackle online hate speech and cyberbullying, recognizing that this is a growing concern, especially among younger generations. Anguiano shared that there are new initiatives on the horizon.
“We’re working with state and federal funding to support other states in establishing their hate incident reporting programs. And locally, we’re looking to expand our reach through more partnerships and outreach campaigns,” Anguiano said.
For more details, visit 211la.org/anti-hate-programs.
This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of
California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part
of the Stop the Hate program. The program is supported by partnership with the California
Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific
Islander American Affairs. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to
https://www.cavshate.org/
