NoHateVa.com now dedicated to address rise of anti-Asian hate and abuse

Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring Thursday said he is dedicating his office’s http://NoHateVA.com resource to focus exclusively on the rise of anti-Asian hate, abuse, discrimination, and violence that has coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Stop AAPI Hate, a national coalition dedicated to documenting and stopping anti-Asian hate and discrimination, nearly 3,800 incidents of hate, abuse, and discrimination against Asian Americans have been reported since March 2020, though the true number is likely higher, as incidents of hate, abuse, and discrimination are often underreported.

“This rise in violence and hate against Asian Americans must stop. This kind of intimidation, discrimination, and even violence is meant to spread fear in the hearts of vulnerable communities, and to make our friends, neighbors, and family members feel like they are different, or unwelcome,” Herring said in a statement. “We cannot stand by and allow it to continue to happen. We must make it clear that we are all Virginians, and we are all part of our Virginia family, no matter what you look like, where you come from, how you worship, or whom you love.”

The updated NoHateVA includes resources to help Virginians keep themselves and their communities safe from anti-Asian hate, discrimination or violence, and ways for all Virginians to support victims if they witness an act of hate, discrimination or violence. It also includes advice for documenting and reporting an incident by a victim or by a witness.

NoHateVA launched in January 2017 to serve as a resource for information and community resources for individuals and groups who may be concerned about or victims of hate crimes. It includes information about the rights of Virginians to be free from bias-based crimes, state and federal laws to protect against hate crimes and illegal discrimination, and information to provide information about how hate crimes and discrimination can be reported to local, state, or federal authorities and the numerous resources available to individuals and organizations that have been the victim of a hate crime.

Thursday, Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney Shannon Taylor and Henrico Police Chief Eric English issues joint statements condemning the racist murders this week of several Asians in Atlanta.

“This hatred, racism and violence must stop,” said Taylor. “The shootings in Atlanta were just the most recent example of hatred run amok. This week, the Anti-Defamation League published a report showing the exponential growth of white supremacy in this country.

“Hate and prejudice must not be tolerated and will not be in our community. We are dedicated and committed to protecting people from bigotry and discrimination and preventing violence. We know, and are proud, of our diversity and that our Asian-American brothers and sisters are part of what makes Henrico thrive and succeed."

Said English: “Henrico Police stands in solidarity with every member of our community. As a law enforcement agency, our duty is to protect the public and ensure
justice is served fairly and equitably. While no hate crimes have been reported in Henrico against a member of our Asian community since 2019, we must stay vigilant. Everyone has a role to play in public safety and we encourage every community member to contact police if you have knowledge of or suspect a crime of any kind.”