Welcome to the OCHCVAP!

Mission Statement

"Working to prevent hate crime through education, enforcement and community awareness, while providing services to victims of hate crimes."

Beliefs

We believe that when hate crime occurs it sends shockwaves through our communities attacking the civil rights of all individuals. When individuals are targets of hate, their victimization is projected outward to all members of our community. Any hate crime against one is a hate crime against all. No one group should have to stand against a hate crime alone. Instead, different communities need to stand together in solidarity. We have the responsibility to counter hate with a message of concern, understanding and compassion. We must stand together and have a united voice against hate. We must work collaboratively to ensure an effective investigation, expedient prosecution, victim support and develop and maintain both respect and appreciation of the growing diversity of our communities. Hate crimes need not divide us; they can ultimately bring us together toward action.

OCHCVAP History & Goals

The Orange County Hate Crime Victim Assistance Partnership, an extension of the Orange County Hate Crime Network, is a partnership that started in spring of 2003 which involves representatives that meet monthly and are concerned about the impact that hate crimes have on our communities. We are committed to addressing the needs of hate crime victims and are dedicated to creating a united voice against hate. Created as a response to the disparate protocols of different agencies' responses to hate crimes and hate incidents, the partnership coalesced to reach the following goals:

• Increase the reporting of hate crimes and incidents (especially in communities with low reporting numbers)
• Increase immediate assistance to victims of hate.
• Increase collaboration amongst community organizations and between law enforcement.

As a victim of a crime you have the right to have your information remain confidential. As representative's of the Orange County Hate Crime Victim Assistance Partnership we agree not to publish, and to not make public any personal information of any victims of hate crime who utilize this website or services through the partnership. We commit to protecting your identity and respecting your privacy. The only time there are exceptions to a clients right to confidentiality as mandated by law is in the following instances:

1. If the client threatens grave bodily harm or death to another person or to him/herself.
2. If a court order is issued.
3. If child abuse, sexual abuse or neglect is suspected with a minor child under the age of 18 years old.
4. If the abuse of a dependent adult or elderly person is suspected.