With election day in the rearview mirror, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has reinforced its dedication to fostering a safe and prepared environment, reminding us of the critical avenues available for reporting hate crimes and hate speech in the community. In an outline provided by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, a hate crime is defined by acts of theft, vandalism, or physical assault motivated by bias against protected classes such as race, religion, or sexual orientation.
For those experiencing hate crimes, which can include receiving threats laden with derogatory language or facing a physical assault due to one's identity, Oregon offers a Non-Emergency Bias Response Hotline, operating from Monday through Friday and providing assistance through trauma-informed operators. The hotline, offering services in a plethora of over 240 languages, can be reached at 1-844-924-BIAS (1-844-924-2427), according to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.
Additionally, the Oregon Department of Justice furnishes residents with an online resource for reporting bias crimes and incidents. Those who require support beyond the immediate, such as concerns around the safety and integrity of the voting process or encountering voter intimidation, can turn to the Voter Protection Hotline. Functioning through the election period and handling non-emergency queries, it can be contacted at 971-673-4111, as per the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, ensuring that every voice is promised a chance to be heard within 24 hours on weekdays or the following Monday if the message is left over the weekend.
