In collaboration with Movement Solidarity Among AAPI Communities (MOSAIC) – a coalition of Asian American / Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations working to connect and mobilize communities and advance a more just and humane California, Catalyst California created a new data brief examining inequities in hate incidents. Hate incidents continue to threaten the safety, well-being, and sense of belonging of communities throughout California. While Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities have experienced heightened attention because of increased anti-Asian hate incidents, they are not alone. Black, Latinx, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, immigrant, Jewish, Muslim, people with disabilities, and other historically marginalized communities continue to experience hate and discrimination.
Official hate crime statistics capture only part of the problem. Many experiences of hate are never reported, and many harmful acts—including harassment, intimidation, and exclusion—do not meet the legal definition of a crime. Understanding the full scope of hate requires looking beyond reported crimes to the experiences of Californians and the conditions that shape each communities’ ability to prevent and respond to hate.
What the data show
Hate affects Californians across racial and ethnic groups, although some communities experience disproportionately high rates.
Key findings include:
- The burden of hate is not shared equally. Pacific Islander and Black Californians reported the highest rates of experiencing hate incidents among the racial and ethnic groups examined.
- Millions of Californians are affected. More than one million Latinx Californians and approximately half a million Asian Californians reported experiencing hate incidents.
- Hate crosses racial, ethnic, and other identity lines. Jewish, Muslim, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities also face bias-motivated harassment and violence.
Together, these findings show that hate is a statewide challenge that affects many communities and demands a comprehensive response.
Understanding the social determinants of hate
Hate does not occur in isolation. Like health, it is shaped by broader systems and structural conditions—a framework we call the social determinants of hate.
Factors such as poverty, educational inequities, housing instability, social isolation, discrimination, and unequal access to culturally responsive services can shape communities’ vulnerability to hate and influence their ability to prevent incidents, access support, and recover from harm. Media environments can also contribute to the problem when hateful content reinforces prejudice, stereotypes, and hostility between groups.
Building on what works
California has established important infrastructure to combat hate through investments in the Stop the Hate Program and the CA vs. Hate reporting and resource network. These initiatives have supported community-based organizations, expanded access to culturally responsive services, and strengthened prevention, intervention, and healing efforts.
However, significant gaps remain. Community organizations continue to face resource constraints, survivors encounter barriers to services, and prevention and early intervention need greater emphasis. Sustained investment is essential to preserve the infrastructure California has built and strengthen its capacity to prevent hate before it occurs.