•If you are in danger, call 911 immediately.
•If you are injured, or think you might be, get medical attention as soon as possible.
•Document the incident. Ask someone to photograph your injuries and write down as many details as you can. If you receive harassing notes via e-mail, instant messages or messages on your answering machine, save them. If someone is harassing you via phone, keep a log of the calls.
•If the harassment or violence is ongoing, talk to someone you trust about what’s happening. A friend, relative, co-worker, clergyperson or counselor can give you guidance, feedback and help finding a solution that will work best for you. Consider reporting threats or acts of violence to the police. Most police departments – including those in Nassau and Suffolk – have dedicated units with specially trained officers who can handle your case with sensitivity and professionalism.
•Psychological reactions to victimization are common and can take many different forms. You may feel scared, worried, helpless, angry or depressed. Though violence is solely the responsibility and choice of the perpetrator, it’s easy to second-guess and blame yourself. Successfully making the transition from victim to survivor might mean getting counseling or joining a support group, both of which, we can help you find.
•If you have uncovered medical expenses, have lost time from work or suffered some other financial loss due to a crime, you may be eligible for help from the NYS Crime Victims Compensation Board.
BiasHELP recognizes and understands the far-ranging impact of discrimination, harassment and violence on victims, their families and the surrounding community. As such, we are committed to the ongoing development of culturally competent support services designed to repair the physical and emotional harm inflicted on victims and those around them. Our free and confidential services are designed to support and empower victims, arming them with the information and emotional tools necessary to transition them from victim to survivor.
•Sometimes you just can’t seem to get the right information or the right kind of help. Through our confidential hotline or a one-on-one consultation, we can point you in the right direction with our comprehensive information, referral database and linkages with other agencies.
•Crime victims often experience a wide range of emotions; fear, anger, distrust and depression are common. Talking about it helps and BiasHELP’s hotline counselors can help you come up with a plan to move on with your life and connect you with qualified, competent mental health professionals and agencies in your community.
•Reporting a hate crime or act of discrimination can be a scary thing. BiasHELP’s staff can walk you through the process, advocate on your behalf with law enforcement officials, and if need be, help you get legal assistance. We’ll cut through the bureaucracy and make sure you get the supportive and sensitive care you deserve.
•Though instances of violence are police matters, some discrimination complaints and instances of harassment can be addressed informally. BiasHELP can help you weigh your options, prepare background materials and properly document incidents. As an advocacy organization, we can write letters and make phone calls on your behalf, and accompany you to mediation meetings. If informal attempts to resolve your complaint are unsuccessful, we can help you secure legal or law enforcement help without the run-around.
•Overwhelmed by paperwork? Not sure to what you’re entitled? We can help you apply to the NYS Crime Victims Compensation Board and other government agencies for reimbursement related to medical expenses or other financial losses.
Our toll-free hotline 1-877-END-BIAS (363-2427) is your gateway to help. Whether you’re trying to decide whether an incident is discriminatory, weighing the pros and cons of filing a complaint, or just trying to figure out ways to move on with your life, we can help you make informed decisions. Operators are available to answer your questions from 9:00AM-5:00PM, Monday through Friday.
