Experiencing a hate crime is a deeply traumatic event that leaves a lasting impact on the victim and the community. These despicable acts are fueled by prejudice towards individuals based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office plays a crucial role in prosecuting hate crimes, holding offenders accountable, and doing justice for the victims and the community.
Below are FAQs on hate crimes and what to do if you or someone you know is a victim of a hate crime.
What is a Hate Crime?
Per the Illinois State statute 720 ILCS 5/12-7.1(a), “A person commits hate crime when, by reason of the actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship, immigration status, or national origin of another individual or group of individuals, regardless of the existence of any other motivating factor or factors[.]”
While offenses such as assault, battery, criminal damage to property, and criminal trespass, would otherwise be considered misdemeanors (punishable up to one year in prison), the Illinois legislature enhances these misdemeanors to felonies (punishable for more than one year in prison) when “by reason of the actual or perceived race” the perpetrator commits these acts.
Perpetrators of hate crimes are also subject to enhanced penalties if their criminal acts are committed in places of worship, schools, cemeteries, or parks. Please see the Illinois statute for crimes in Illinois that may be enhanced due to hate crime involvement
What do I do if I am a victim of a Hate Crime?
If you require immediate assistance or wish to report a hate crime, please call 911 immediately and report the incident to your local police department. Please provide the police with any evidence that the hate crime took place, such as photos, videos, witness information, emails, screenshots, etc.
If police arrest the offender(s) they will submit the case to the State’s Attorney’s Office, who can decide to approve charges, deny the charges, or request the police submit additional information.
If the State’s Attorney’s Office believes sufficient evidence exists to meet its evidentiary requirements, the office will prosecute the perpetrator and may enhance the case to a felony if sufficient evidence exists that the crime was motivated by hatred.
The State’s Attorney’s Office will provide the victim and their family with an advocate to assist and guide them through the court proceedings and suggest additional resources as needed.
Are there organizations that specialize in supporting hate crime victims?
Listed below are organizations that specialize in supporting victims of hate crimes:
Cook County Commission on Human Rights
312-603-1100
City of Chicago’s Commission on Human Relations
312-744-4111
Council On American Islamic Relations
312-212-1520
Brave Space Alliance
872-333-5199
Anti-Defamation League
312-533-3870
Chinese American Service League
312-725-5224
Indo-American Center (IAC)
773-973-4444
*Disclaimer*: Please note that the information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not an endorsement of any specific organization. Always reach out to the organizations directly for the most current information.