What is a hate crime?
Under New York State Law, a person commits a hate crime when he or she targets a victim because of a perception or belief about the victim’s race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religious practice, age, disability, or sexual orientation, even if that perception or belief is incorrect.
Hate crimes can be perpetrated against an individual, a group, or against public or private property. For example, hanging a noose or painting a swastika could be deemed hate crimes.
What can I do?
If you are a victim of a crime, suspect that a crime is in progress, or if there is risk of physical injury or serious damage to property, call 911 immediately.
To report incidents of bias-motivated threats, harassment or discrimination, call New York’s toll free hotline: 1-888-392-3644 or text “HATE” to 81336.
Download this information card on Hate Crimes (.pdf)
