Hi, I’m new here and have a question. If you experience a hate crime and feel like you’re a ‘targeted individual’ (TI), how do you get help? Where should you start, and what should you do first?
Hey there! So, if you’re in the US, the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division is a great place to start. They can take reports and kick off investigations. There are also resources like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) that can help with legal advice and support.
@Gray
Oh wow, I didn’t know about those organizations! Thanks for the info! Do they also offer mental health support?
Drew said:
@Gray
Oh wow, I didn’t know about those organizations! Thanks for the info! Do they also offer mental health support?
Yeah, actually! The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has resources for that kind of support, which can be super helpful if you’re dealing with harassment.
I’m not in the US, but I’ve been dealing with something similar. In my country, I reached out to the police first and then some local human rights groups. It was a bit slow but it helped me get support.
@Tennyson
Thanks for sharing! I didn’t even think about reaching out to local groups, I’ll look into that. 
If you’re in the Philippines, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group is a good place to start. They deal with online harassment and hate crimes, so they might be able to help.
Mal said:
If you’re in the Philippines, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group is a good place to start. They deal with online harassment and hate crimes, so they might be able to help.
Good to know! Are there other places I can go for legal support in the Philippines?
@Gray
Definitely! The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is another option. They provide legal resources and help you file complaints. Also, the Department of Justice (DOJ) might be helpful if you need more protection.
If you’re considering getting a lawyer from outside the Philippines, be cautious. International lawyers can’t represent you in local courts, but they can advise you. Just keep in mind it might get expensive. Maybe try contacting organizations like Human Rights Watch for guidance.
@Ori
That’s helpful, thanks! I was thinking of getting a lawyer from abroad but wasn’t sure how it would work.
You can also start by just writing down everything that happened—details, evidence, and witness info. It’ll make it easier when you seek legal advice later on. A lot of lawyers do free consultations if you’re unsure about next steps.
@Thorne
I’ll definitely do that. I was kind of stuck on how to move forward. Thanks for the advice! 