If you are a targeted minority, harassment could continue. What began as egg throwing at five black families in rural Selbrook, Alabama, escalated for 18 months until hate mail made it a federal offense. The story made the news, police patrolled and harassment declined. Speak to the press. Your story, with a frank discussion of the impact on your family life, can be a powerful motivator to others.
Copycat crimes are possible, but rare.
More likely, you'll be encouraged by love and support. After an Arab-American family in Montgomery County, Maryland, was repeatedly harassed during the Gulf War, the mother told her story. The community rallied, and a suspect was convicted. In Watertown, New York, a black minister talked about the vulgar hate mail he received. His community held a special unity rally.