Washington State law protects victims of hate crimes based on sexual orientation. Finally, survivors of hate crimes are less likely than victims of other types of violence to report attacks against them to the police. There are many reasons for this. Minority groups, including GLBT communities, have historically had strained relations with law enforcement and fear that crimes against them will not be taken seriously or that the police reaction will be unsympathetic or hostile. Almost any reaction to being a hate crime victim should be considered normal.
Emotional reactions can include denial or trying to forget that the crime ever happened.
Anger, fear, depression, and anxiety are also common. Survivors of violent crime may also experience physical problems that seem unrelated to an assault. Such symptoms can include headaches, stomachaches, insomnia, change in appetite, irritability, withdrawal and sexual difficulties. The most important thing to do is to find someone safe you can tell about the incident. Talking about the experience to supportive friends, family members and loved ones can help you to begin the process of understanding what happened to you and recovering from the assault.