County launches hate reporting text service in 15 languages

By Nicole Chang

Contributing Writer

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County residents who experience or witness a hate crime, discrimination or harassment can now report it by text message in their own language.

LA vs Hate on Oct. 19 launched “Text-to-Report Hate,” a new service that allows residents to report hate crimes, hate incidents and other bias-related harassment by texting 52211.

The service supports 15 languages — English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Armenian, Farsi, Hindi, Japanese, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Russian and Arabic — making it easier for immigrant and ethnic communities to seek help without making a phone call or filling out an online form.

Once an initial message is sent, the system responds with a series of automated questions in the same language. Users can answer by text and attach photos, videos, audio recordings and documents related to the incident.

Questions relate to what happened, where and when the incident occurred, what type of hate or harassment was involved and why the person believes they or someone involved were targeted. Possible reasons include race or ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, language or immigration status.

The service was unveiled at the San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center as part of Los Angeles County’s ninth annual United Against Hate Week, which runs Oct. 18-24.

County officials said the text option is intended to make reporting easier for residents who may feel uncomfortable making a phone call, have difficulty completing an online form or rely primarily on a cellphone for internet access. Texting also allows users to send photos or videos directly from their phones.

The new reporting system comes as hate crimes remain at high levels in Los Angeles County. According to the county’s latest Hate Crime Report, 1,355 hate crimes were recorded in 2024, the second-highest annual total in the report’s 44-year history.

Robin Toma, executive director of the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations, said underreporting remains a significant problem, particularly in immigrant communities.

“There has generally been significant underreporting of hate crimes, and that is especially true in immigrant communities that are often targeted,” Toma said. He added some immigrants are reluctant to contact law enforcement because of language barriers, past experiences with authorities in their home countries or concerns about dealing with law enforcement.

It is difficult to determine exactly how many incidents go unreported in Los Angeles County. Toma cited the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Crime Victimization Survey, which has found that the actual number of hate crimes may be at least twice as high as the number reported to the FBI.

According to LA vs Hate, 4,913 hate crimes and incidents were reported through its website or 211 between 2019 and 2025. On average, 84% of people who filed reports each year requested care coordination. During the same period, the program provided 8,688 referrals for services including legal aid, housing support and other assistance.

Toma said a study involving UCLA graduate students who interviewed Korean, Japanese and Chinese residents in their own languages also found that many people were unaware they could report hate incidents through 211.

“The goal of the text system is to make reporting as easy as possible,” Toma said. “We hope more people who have difficulty filling out online forms on their phones, as well as younger people who prefer texting, will use it.”

He added that the county especially hopes the system will become a quick and accessible tool for non-English speakers to report incidents in their own language.

The text service is not limited to incidents that rise to the level of a crime. Residents can also report discriminatory harassment, bullying and other bias-motivated hostility. Witnesses as well as victims may file reports.

Those who want additional help can request care coordination and referrals to free services. A care coordinator will follow up by phone within three days and, if the person cannot be reached by phone, will follow up by email.

County officials also emphasized privacy protections, particularly for immigrant communities. According to LA vs Hate, 211 LA is a private nonprofit organization and is not affiliated with law enforcement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or any agency with police authority.

Toma said personally identifying information is not provided to the county unless the person filing the report agrees to share it. He said there have been no cases to date in which the program compromised a reporter’s confidentiality.

Information submitted through the reporting line is generally kept confidential and shared only with the individual’s consent. An exception applies when disclosure is required under state law to prevent harm to someone.

LA vs Hate also unveiled “Sunset Luminaries,” a San Fernando Valley mural centered on themes of peace, empathy and inclusion, as part of the launch.

During United Against Hate Week, an LA vs Hate taco truck will travel to communities across Los Angeles County, offering free tacos while promoting the new text-message reporting service and available support.

Nicole Chang writes for American Community Media.