Acts of Violence/Hate Crimes
The Ralph Civil Rights Act, Civil Code section 51.7, addresses
the problem of racial, ethnic, religious and minority violence in
California by providing civil and administrative remedies for
those who are victims of violence directed against any particular
class of persons. If you are a victim you can either file a
private lawsuit in the appropriate court, or you can file a
complaint with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing. If
you chose to file a complaint with the Department of Fair
Employment and Housing you must do so no later than one year
after your Ralph Act rights have been violated.
The Bane Civil Rights Act protects people from
continued violence or the threat of violence based
on grounds such as race, color, religion,
ancestry, national origin, political affiliation,
sex, sexual orientation, age, disability or
position in a labor dispute. It also punishes
persons responsible for such violence. If you
believe you have a claim under this Act, you may
wish to file a private lawsuit. The court may
grant an injunction prohibiting further
intimidating or coercive behavior against you.
Any violation of this order is a misdemeanor and
may result in fines or imprisonment. If a
judgment is awarded in your favor in a private
lawsuit, you may receive reasonable attorneys fees
as well.
The law authorizes and encourages cities and
counties to establish local human relations
commissions to preserve peace among citizens of
different races, religions, and national origins.
If your community has such a commission, it will
be listed in your telephone directory. You may
wish to seek its assistance to address hate
violence.
If you are a victim or a witness to any of the
activities described by these statutes, contact
your local police or sheriffs department. If
criminal action is taken and you are a victim you
may nevertheless pursue injunctive relief. The
Bane Act provides that victims may pursue either
civil remedies or criminal penalties or both.
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