In a move meant to address the intertwined issues of election safety and hate crimes, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has announced a dedicated effort to ensure residents' well-being during election times, and beyond. Detailing their initiative, OEM has underscored the pertinence of confronting hate speech alongside bias crimes which leave a scarring imprint on our communities. These offenses, motivated by prejudice against a range of protected characteristics such as race, religion, or sexual orientation, manifest in various forms, from vandalism to physical violence.
For individuals facing the brunt of such hate, Oregon offers a Non-Emergency Bias Response Hotline at 1-844-924-BIAS (1-844-924-2427), functioning from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time. The service fields call with trauma-informed care, an approach that equips operators to understand and handle incidents with empathy and appropriate support. Those unable to reach out during operational hours are encouraged to leave a message for a subsequent follow-up. Furthermore, the Oregon Department of Justice’s Bias Crime Reporting website serves as an additional avenue for reporting.
In parallel to these responsive measures, proactive steps are also taken to uphold the sacrosanct voting process against intimidation. The Voter Protection Hotline, another initiative by the Oregon Department of Justice, has been fielding inquiries since its inception earlier this month. The hotline, available at 971-673-4111, offers assistance with the voting process and addresses voter intimidation concerns, promising returns on calls within 24 hours on weekdays or the following Monday if received over the weekend.
With a trauma-informed lens, these various resources aim to not only respond to immediate needs but also foster an environment of healing for those who have suffered the indignities of hate and bias. The approach is one of understanding, it steers clear of exacerbating trauma and instead provides the considerate care required for genuine support and recuperation. In light of the election, citizens are encouraged to reach out via these hotlines or visit the Secretary of State’s and the Department of Justice’s websites to stay informed on reporting procedures concerning bias incidents.
