One Place One Race

Community safety

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

Hate incidents and hate crimes are increasing throughout the country. The Southern Poverty Law Center states that in 2023 there was the “highest number of both active anti-LGBTQ and white nationalist groups ever recorded by the SPLC” Hate incidents and crimes are underreported. People do not know the difference between a hate incident and a hate crime and whether or not they should report it. They may not be comfortable reporting a hate incident or crime. Age, language, culture, and social/immigration status all play a significant role in recognizing and reporting hate crimes. People may not know where or how to report a hate crime. Many bystanders and potential hate crime victims are not aware of de-escalate techniques or feel comfortable trying to use them. They may not be aware of strategies to keep them safer in public. People who are not proficient in English do not have access to the training and information they need to learn about the resources that are available to them.

Through Peace increases public safety for vulnerable communities by creating programs and resources that support the BIPOC community and other vulnerable groups of people. Esther Lim, Executive Director of Through Peace, first published “How to Report a Hate Crime” in 2019 to combat the rise of anti-AAPI hate crimes in 16 languages. The book teaches prevention tips, de-escalation techniques, how to recognize a hate incident or hate crime, and how to report them. The booklets have location-specific information to help people understand the laws in their area and to learn where to file a report. The booklets are free of charge and available in print or online. Through Peace teaches a comprehensive workshop that teaches prevention and de-escalation tips, the difference between a hate incident and a hate crime, the importance of reporting, and where to make a report.
We lead a meditation session or self defense lessons. We partner with an organization who gives private consultations for mental health and victim support. Culturally competent therapists and victim advocates are on site to provide counseling and help victims navigate their mental well being, CalVCB filing, restraining orders, court process, etc. We promote equity and justice for all people by empowering them with knowledge. We also focus heavily on creating racial intersectionality.
“Hey Haters!” workshops help victims of racism, hate incidents, and hate crimes to heal through the power of telling their story.

Vulnerable and marginalized people will become more aware of hate incidents and crime. They will learn how to recognize a hate incident or hate crime. They will feel more confident when they are out in public because they will learn hate crime prevention and de-escalation techniques to use if they are confronted with a hate incident or crime. They will also learn tips for staying safe while helping as a bystander.
Marginalized people will learn translated phrases they can use during an attack or incident (“English isn’t my first language. This person is harassing me. Can you help me or stay next to me?”; “English isn’t my first language. Can you please call 9-1-1? I am in danger.”).
They will have the information they need to report hate incidents and hate crimes as soon as it is safe to do so. Their friends and people in their social circle will learn the same things, making it easier to enjoy outings in Los Angeles County.

“How to Report a Hate Crime” was first published in 2020. It is being translated into more languages as volunteer translators and/or funds become available. It is currently available in 16 languages in the Southern California region. We host hate crime safety workshops and healing clinics all over California with live interpreters for language accessibility, which is key to all our programs. We measure the number of requests for print booklets, the languages requested, the number of print booklets we distribute, and the number of booklets downloaded. We also track the number of attendees and collect their demographic during our safety workshops.
We conduct post-workshop surveys to get honest feedback about our workshops and our booklets. We also speak with the groups we work with, such as local community agencies. We track email inquiries, requests for speaking engagements, volunteers, and contributions to gauge community interest and support.