Mass Attorney General Establishes Hate Crimes Hotline
BOSTON – Following reports of harassment and intimidation of racial, ethnic and religious minorities, women, LGBTQ individuals and immigrants since Election Day, Attorney General Maura Healey has established a new hotline for Massachusetts residents to report such incidents.
The hotline will be managed by attorneys and staff in the AG's office. While not every incident will be appropriate for legal action, the AG's office will be tracking reports and appropriate matters may be referred to local law enforcement of the Attorney General's Crime Bureau.
Any Massachusetts resident who has witnessed or experienced bias-motivated threats, harassment or violence may call the Attorney General's hotline at 1-800-994-3228, go to www.mass.gov/ago or find them on Facebook and Twitter.
Potential hate crimes – including bias-motivated assault, battery and property damage – should also be reported to the local police in the first instance. Residents who fear for their immediate safety should call 911.
Most hate crimes are prosecuted by the District Attorney's office. However, in some cases, the offender may also be prosecuted civilly, either in addition to criminal charges, or instead of criminal charges, by the AG's office under the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act. (MCRA)
For more information, visit the Attorney General's Office website at www.mass.gov.ago.