In response to a grim upsurge in hate crimes within its borders, the City of Austin is taking a stand by beefing up the Austin Police Department's Victim Services unit. The Austin City Council has approved the addition of six roles designed to extend a supportive hand to those who've been attacked because of their race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation, as reported by KVUE.
Spurred by a disturbing rise in hate crimes, cited at more than 50% against people because of their race, ethnicity or ancestry, this ordinance aims to provide an anchor to victims tossed by the stormy seas of trauma and the complexities of justice. Councilmember Alison Alter highlighted the city's commitment to its citizens by stating, "One full position will be dedicated to working with individuals and families who've been the targets of a hate crime motivated by hate or incidents suspected to be motivated by hate or bias," according to KVUE.
This proactive stance comes in the wake of a brutal stabbing in West Campus on February 4th, which left a 23-year-old Palestinian American critically injured, an act that the Austin Police Department has classified as a hate crime. Mayor Kirk Watson expressed his stern stance against such acts, stating, "We cannot — we will not — tolerate hate," as per CBS Austin.
The council's action is fueled by a federal grant from the Victims of Crime Act. Councilwoman Alison Alter said, "improving our response to survivors of hate bias incidents is a top priority." She also praised the city's anti-hate campaign, "We All Belong," and the excellence of APD's Victim Services. Of a new roles, some are dedicated to victims of hate crimes, while others will serve an array of needs such as assisting sexual assault survivors and elderly individuals who have been defrauded, as stated by CBS Austin.
