As the available data shows, hate crimes have skyrocketed 125% across Illinois since 2021, with bias based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity driving over 95% of incidents; acts of hate are defined as those that target people based on their actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship, immigration status, or national origin. Hate incidents are categorized into hate crimes, bias-motivated civil rights violations, and hateful, but legal expressions. The numbers – taken as they are – indicate that the state is facing an alarming surge in hate crimes and extremism, following national trends.
With all of this in mind, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) and the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes (CDHC) called on all residents late last week to report acts of hate through the Help Stop Hate initiative—a safe, confidential service that provides support and resources.
“At this moment in time, when some are influencing or condoning hateful violence and rhetoric, we are encouraging Illinoisans to take action by reporting all acts of hate,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Help Stop Hate not only empowers impacted individuals to break the cycle of silence and seek specialized support, but it also helps us foster a safer, more inclusive Illinois.”
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton noted:
“The surge in vitriol, violence and hate-fueled acts in Illinois is truly distressing. It’s incumbent upon every Illinoisan to make it clear: hate has no home in Illinois. Help Stop Hate is a vital tool to empower our communities by encouraging people to speak up, report what they see, and stand together against intolerance in all its forms.”
To further drive awareness and action, IDHR and CDHC have launched a statewide, multilingual advertising campaign. IDHR and CDHC are also partnering with local organizations and municipalities across Illinois to help stop hate; these partners include the City of Moline, the City of Urbana, the City of Champaign, and Not in Our Town Bloomington-Normal.
“Illinois stands firm in its promise to uphold dignity and respect for all,” said IDHR Director Jim Bennett. “When our communities are affected by hate, we respond with action. Help Stop Hate empowers individuals to heal and reclaim their safety.”
CDHC Executive Director Elana Kahn stated:
“Hate of any kind causes real harm, not only to the individual who has been targeted, but to entire communities, and bigotry never sticks to one community; when it becomes acceptable to target people because of who they are, none of us are safe. Reporting is an important first step, to help get support and influence real change for a better Illinois.”
Help Stop Hate allows Illinoisans to report acts of hate safely and anonymously, with no affiliation to law enforcement or immigration authorities. Personal information will only be shared with law enforcement if legally required and will never be shared with immigration agencies; Illinoisans can report online to Help Stop Hate anytime in seven languages: English, Spanish, Polish, Mandarin, Tagalog, Arabic or Hindi.
The Help Stop Hate phone line is open between noon and 9 p.m. CT, Monday to Friday, to English and Spanish speakers. Additional translation services are arranged as needed. Online and helpline specialists are equipped to provide resources and referrals to social service agencies for support with physical and mental health, trauma-informed care, advocacy, and more.
The IDHR and the CDHC implore victims or witnesses to report acts of hate online anytime at ILStopHate.org or over the phone at 877-458-HATE (4283) between noon – 9 p.m. CT weekdays.
