Thursday, December 13, 2012

Resources for Victims or Witnesses of Hate Crimes

Hate Crimes, while usually directed toward individual victims, also send a message of intolerance to anyone who identifies with the targeted victims.  Hate crimes damage entire communities.  Here at DANY we respond to hate crime complaints with urgency, professionalism, and with the full force of our laws.  We are also dedicated to educational outreach in the community to stop the spread of hate and foster an atmosphere of respect in our diverse society.
It is important to report bias-related crimes to the local police precinct and to the Hate Crimes Task Force of the NYPD. Together with our police partners, the Hate Crimes Unit at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office investigates and prosecutes hate crimes in Manhattan.
 In addition to working with the NYPD, we also have senior investigators trained to interview victims and witnesses, gather evidence and enhance our investigations.  We have created a HATE CRIME HOTLINE which enables the public to contact the Hate Crimes Unit at DANY directly. The number is 212-335-3100.
This number is not a replacement for calling 911.  In an emergency, always call 911.   Victims of hate crimes can call the hotline whether or not they have previously reported the crime to law enforcement; we can assist with this process as well (either arranging a meeting with NYPD detectives from the Hate Crimes Task Force or meeting with designated senior investigators from the District Attorney’s Office).
We can refer victims to counseling and assistance programs here within the DA’s Office or we can connect them to appropriate service providers in the community.  Our hotline is also a resource to communities dealing with the aftermath of a hate crime event. We are dedicated to our mission to stop hate crime activity in New York County and help our partners throughout New York City to do the same.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

New York County District Attorney’s Office Hate Crimes Unit
One Hogan Place
New York, NY 10013
212-335-3100 (main number)
212-335-9500 (TTY)
Advisor to the District Attorney for G/L/B/T Issues
80 Centre Street, Room 864
New York, NY 10013
212-335-9291
100 Centre Street, Room 231
New York, NY 10013
212-335-9040

New York City Police Department

NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force
One Police Plaza
New York, NY 10038
646-610-5267
G/L/B/T Community Liaison
Office of the Police Commissioner
One Police Plaza, Room 308
New York, NY 10038
646-610-6017

Community-Based Programs

NYC Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project
240 West 35th Street, Suite 200
New York, NY 10001
212-714-1141 (24-hour hotline)
212-714-1134 (TTY)

No comments:

Post a Comment