Illinois launches statewide hate crime reporting service

CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced the creation of a new hate crime reporting program Wednesday.

Help Stop Hate, which is not affiliated with law enforcement, is part of an effort by the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the Illinois Discrimination and Hate Crimes Commission to combat the “rapid increase in hate crimes and discrimination” in the state. According to the governor’s office.

According to official websiteThe program will allow the state to “track hate” in Illinois and inform officials on how to target resources and funding.

“We—those who stand against hate, those who stand with our neighbors, and those who stand for a free and inclusive Illinois—must take action,” Pritzker said. “I’m proud to officially launch Help Stop Hate, a new resource that will help protect and empower victims and witnesses of hate incidents. With the service free, confidential and multilingual, people can report acts of hate and connect to resources in their communities.”

Hate crimes hit a record high in 2023, with 11,862 incidents reported, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Illinois Penal Code defines a hate crime as the attack, intimidation, or harassment of a person because of his or her actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship, immigration status, or national origin. .

The hate crime charge is a Class 4 felony for a first offense and a Class 2 felony for a second or subsequent offense.

In Rockford, two people have been charged with hate crimes in recent cases, including a hate crime suspect. fatal stabbing of black Walmart employee in March, and a bar owner charged with pointed a gun at a transgender customer in April.

Help Stop Hate will support those reporting hate crimes with professionals trained in trauma-informed care.

The state plans to launch an advertising campaign targeting blacks, Hispanics, Arabs, Native Americans, Asian Americans, LGBTQ people, religious minorities, refugees and people with disabilities.

The program is funded by a $5 million supplemental fund and a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.

“Hate crimes and bias-related incidents are under-reported, which is why it is critical to provide more reporting options, such as the Help Stop Hate hotline,” said Attorney General Kwame Raoul. “My office remains committed to combating hate and bias in Illinois, including by pursuing civil and criminal prosecutions for hate crimes and training law enforcement and prosecutors to recognize and respond to incidents of hate crimes and bias. I am pleased that this new tool will help us in this important work.”

Reports can be made anonymously by calling (877) 458-4283 or (877) 458-HATE Monday through Friday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm or online any time by visiting ILStopHate.org.

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