​Through the City of Dallas’ core values of service, we remain committed to empathy, ethics, excellence, engagement and empowerment. The City of Dallas’ Office of Equity and Inclusion recognizes the devastating impact that war and global violence, including violence here in the U.S., is having on our local residents and communities.

During these challenging times, we stand against all forms of hate and serve as a resource to support any resident needing support or protection. Below are a few resources, including anti-hate information, how to report a hate crime, and mental health resources.

To learn more about the Office of Equity and Inclusion visit: https://dallascityhall.com/departments/office-of-equity-and-inclusion/Pages/default.aspx or email us at equity@dallas.gov

Mental Health Resources

Addressing Hate Crimes and Bias Incidents in Dallas

Historically, during events of this nature, there is often an unfortunate increase in antisemitic, Islamophobic, anti-Palestinian, and anti-Arab acts. As a city that welcomes and embraces diversity, Dallas unequivocally rejects any form of hate crimes or bias incidents targeting our residents. To report any criminal act, please contact your local authorities and call 9-1-1 immediately.

What is a Hate Crime?

A hate crime is any crime committed that is motivated by bias or based on the victim’s perceived membership in a specific group, such as race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, or religious belief. Hate crimes can come in many forms, including physical or verbal, and are intended to induce fear and cause psychological and/or physical harm. Resource Link: https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/civil-rights/hate-crimes

If you believe you are the victim of a hate crime or that you witnessed a hate crime, law enforcement should be notified and every attempt to preserve evidence should be made.

Where to File a Police Report

Dallas Police Department

• Dial 911 or file a report here: https://dallaspolice.net/reports/Pages/coplogic.aspx

Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)

• Online: You can report a hate crime to the FBI online at: tips.FBI.gov
• Follow the instructions on the pop-ups and fill out the online form to report a hate crime.
• You can report suspicious activities and crime by contacting the Dallas FBI Office 24/7 at (972) 559-5000
• The FBI may reach out to you for more information and resources as they investigate the crime.

Anti-Defamation League (ADL)

The Anti-Defamation League has a page for reporting incidents of bias, antisemitism or discrimination. They assist in bias incidents directed at any community, not just the Jewish community. The ADL will work to assess your situation and respond as quickly as possible. Any personal information provided will be kept strictly confidential. Link: https://www.adl.org/report-incident?_ga=2.46169319.1957931013.1703708841-70959970.1699911345

Multi-lingual Hate Crime Resources

National Asian Pacific Islander Bar Association (NAPABA) and the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) have collaborated on a hate crime/incident toolkit that provides basic and critical information for victims, community-based organizations, and community leaders. Link: https://www.napaba.org/page/HateCrimeResources

#NoToHate UN Resources

Hate speech can be a precursor of hate crimes and is one of the most pernicious ways to create societal divisions. Hate speech cuts across human rights areas, but is difficult to differentiate from mis- and disinformation. Visit the United Nation’s #NoToHate page for information, resources, and strategies to combat: Say #NoToHate - The impacts of hate speech and actions you can take | United Nations

Take Action and Stand Up for Human Rights

The United Nation’s Human Rights Office recognizes that countering both hate crimes and hate speech is a human rights issue. Visit their Take Action page on concrete steps you can take to promote respect for human rights including ready-to-post social media campaigns as well as grassroots efforts to raise awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Link: Take Action | Stand up for human rights | UN Human Rights Office (standup4humanrights.org)

Federal

Under federal law, hate crimes encompass offenses committed against individuals or property because of the victim's race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. The Department of Justice has the authority to investigate and prosecute these crimes, working to ensure accountability and justice for victims. While many states and territories have enacted their own hate crime statutes, hate crimes can still be reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Why to report a hate crime? 

According to experts, an estimated average of 250,000 hate crimes occurred each year between 2004 and 2015 in the United States. Shockingly, the majority of these incidents went unreported to law enforcement authorities.

Bjs.ojp.gov/content/pub/pdf/hcv0415.pdf

https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes/state-data/texas#statistics-texas

Resource Center for Victims of Hate Crime

The Justice Department-funded VictimConnect Resource Center provides information and assistance to victims of crimes, including hate crimes. Trained victim assistance specialists are available at no cost to help victims find local support services at 1-855-484-2846 or at their website.