Stop the Hate Project
Protect Yourself
Our partners host self-defense classes and workshops where attendees can learn how to better protect themselves.
What is the Stop the Hate Project?
The Stop the Hate project, established by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) in consultation with the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA), is a statewide initiative aimed at supporting victims and survivors of hate incidents and hate crimes. Launched in 2021 with a $110 million investment, the program funds 173 community-based organizations and 12 Transformative Grant partners to provide direct services, prevention, and intervention strategies across five California regions. Originally designed to address anti-Asian hate, Stop the Hate has since expanded to serve a wide range of communities including Black, Indigenous, Latinx, LGBTQ+, religious minorities, disabled, and Pacific Islander populations. Through culturally responsive and language-accessible approaches, the program offers legal aid, mental health services, safety planning, youth development, and restorative justice efforts.
Goals
Foster Resilience
Combat Hate
Champion Equity
Understanding Hate & Discrimination
What is a Hate Crime?
A hate crime is a criminal offense motivated, wholly or in part, by bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity.
What is Discrimination?
Discrimination involves unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on their identity. It may be institutional, systemic, or interpersonal.
Key Statistics
Stop AAPI Hate Reports (2020–2023)
Over 11,500 incidents of anti-Asian hate were reported, with verbal harassment (63%) and physical assault (16%) being the most common.
FBI Hate Crime Statistics (2022)
746 anti-Asian hate crime incidents were reported in 2021, a significant increase from previous years.
California Department of Justice (2022)
Anti-Asian hate crimes in California rose by 177% between 2020 and 2021.
Historical Context of Discrimination Against AAPI Communities
- Chinese Exclusion Act (1882): First U.S. law to restrict immigration based on race.
- Rock Springs Massacre (1885): Anti-Chinese riot resulting in the deaths of 28 miners in Wyoming.
- Japanese American Incarceration (1942–1945): Over 120,000 Japanese Americans forcibly relocated.
Structural Discrimination:
- Immigration Barriers (1917, 1924 Acts)
- Redlining and Housing Discrimination
Contemporary Discrimination:
- Post-9/11 Islamophobia and Xenophobia
- COVID-19 and Anti-Asian Bias
Our Services
Our services include Reporting a Hate Crime, Self-Defenses Classes, Mental Health Support, Legal Assistance, Street Patrol & Escort, and Workshops & Townhalls.
Report a Hate Crime
If you need assistance, please call 415-340-1487 to leave a message and your contact information. Our specialist will get back to you in a timely manner.
Self-Defense Classes
Providing in-language self-defense classes to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance their personal safety.
Mental Health Support
Counseling services and support groups to promote mental well-being and emotional resilience among individuals affected by hate speech and discrimination through professional mental health support.
Legal Assistance
Ensuring that you are informed about YOUR rights and can navigate the legal system effectively.
Street Patrol & Escort
We facilitate street patrols and senior escorts in San Francisco and Oakland to enhance safety and security of seniors within the community.
Workshops & Townhalls
Hosting workshops and town halls on safety, emergency response, and anti-racism, collaborating with other racial groups to foster unity, address Asian hate, and promote civic engagement.
Our Resources
Check out resources on how to protect yourselves.
Self-Defense Videos
Check out these insightful self-defense technique videos from Asians are Strong.
Self-defense On Public Transportation
Scenario: You are standing on public transportation and someone attacks you. What do you do?
How to use pepper spray
How to use pepper spray. Pepper spray is one of the most popular and recommended self-defense tools. So we want to offer you our top 5 tips on how to use pepper spray properly.
What to do if someone tries to choke you with a belt from behind?
Scenario: If someone sneaks up behind you and uses a belt like a noose to choke you unconscious, it’s a terrifying and urgent situation. Studies suggest you typically have 8 to 13 seconds before losing consciousness, so immediate action is crucial.
Top 5 Subway Platform Safety Tips
There have been some horrifying incidents of people being pushed onto subway train tracks. It is sad and scary that we have to even make this video. And unfortunately, or fortunately, there is no precedence for this. So, after a lot of our own research, we want to offer you our top 5 safety tips that we think will help you stay safe on subway platforms.
Safety Tips
KEEP THESE IN MIND
- DON'T walk alone
- ALWAYS be on alert
- FIND HELP if you think you are being followed
- KNOW where you are
IF YOU ARE THE TARGET
- DETERMINE what level of danger are you in
- DECIDE if walking away or taking any action is better/safer
- DIRECT attention to what is happening using your voice and/or gestures if it's safe
- DOCUMENT by recording with your phone if it's safe
- DELEGATE help if possible – Ask them to distract, document, and/or call the proper local authorities
Safety Tips in Various Languages
Our Stop the Hate Partners
Our team includes various partners from across the San Francisco Bay Area region who are committed in the pursuit of a more just and inclusive society.
ASIAN, Inc.
ASIAN, Inc. is involved in community development and advocacy to improve neighborhood facilities and influence policies for better social equity.
Asians are Strong
Asians are Strong emerged in response to escalating racist violence in March 2021, including the Atlanta Spa Shootings and local attacks in San Francisco. Motivated by a need to empower and protect the Asian community, the movement focuses on solidarity, resilience, and standing against anti-Asian hate.
Chinatown Volunteer Coalition
Chinatown Volunteer Coalition is a collective of volunteers and community members dedicated to supporting and assisting San Francisco’s Chinatown during times of need. They focus on providing essential services, resources, and advocacy to address community challenges and promote unity and resilience within Chinatown.
Hotline Number: 415-340-1487
Compassion in Oakland
Compassion in Oakland is a grassroots organization dedicated to promoting kindness and empathy in the community, supporting marginalized groups, and initiating positive social change through local initiatives.
Stand with Asians Americans
Stand with Asian Americans is a movement and advocacy group that aims to raise awareness about issues affecting Asian Americans, combat anti-Asian racism, and promote solidarity and support within the community and beyond.
Contact Us
Address
1167 Mission Street 4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
Tel
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri 9AM - 5PM
