In this study, hate acts are defined as hostile expressions or actions that are motivated, entirely or in part, by a person's actual or perceived identity or characteristics. Hate acts include hate crimes and non-criminal hate incidents, such as verbal abuse or insults, cyberbullying, property damage, physical assault, and threats or intimidation.

To understand the impacts of hate acts on Californians, 53 adults who experienced a hate act in the past 12 months were interviewed. They were asked to describe the hate act that had the greatest impact on them in the past 12 months and to describe their reactions to and feelings about what occurred. Next, longer-term impacts were discussed, such as changes they may have made to their behavior or daily routine, the support they may or may not have received from physical and mental health care services, school, work, legal professionals, authorities, family and friends, and others. Respondents were then asked about financial costs incurred due to the hate act, and whether they had reported their experience to authorities or discussed the hate act with others.

Key Findings:

• Many hate acts included multiple offender actions that escalated in severity. For example, an offender using racially biased language at first and then throwing an object or spitting at respondents or escalating to physical assault.
• The social and political context was an important factor in how respondents thought about hate and why it occurs. Some respondents saw the political and social climate as catalyzing acts of hate.
• Hate acts — both hate crimes and non-criminal hate incidents — can have ongoing impacts. Respondents reported changes to their daily routines, increased distrust of strangers, and loss of self-confidence. They also described physical and mental health impacts.
• Many respondents described monetary and/or non-monetary costs incurred due to the hate act. Respondents reported costs totaling $31,504, ranging from $4 to $14,530. They listed direct and indirect costs for protection; to repair damaged property; for changing routines; for lost wages. Several spoke about non-monetary costs, including changes in relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, and the overall emotional burden of the hate act.
• Numerous coping strategies were used to deal with the impacts of hate acts. Many respondents spoke with friends, family, and others to share their experience, seek advice, and be heard. Some normalized the act and accepted the act, while others focused on withstanding and recovering from the impact of the act. Many respondents were still very affected and struggled to cope.
• Uncertainty as to whether and how to report an act to authorities. In some cases, respondents did not feel the act met a reporting threshold, while others were simply unaware of how to report a hate act. Among respondents who did report the act, several voiced frustrations over unsatisfactory responses when trying to obtain or receive support.