Massachusetts has a number of civil and criminal laws that specifically apply to hate crimes. The District Attorney's Office has the power to prosecute hate crimes as criminal violations. The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office has the power to seek a civil injunction against anyone who is interfering with another person's civil rights. Hate crimes have historically been underreported. This gives hate groups and individuals the mistaken impression that they will not be held accountable for their crimes.
Hate crimes are serious offenses.
Please help us help you. If you or anyone you know is a victim of a hate crime, we encourage you to report it to your local police. To request a copy of this brochure, please go to Publications. Online viewing of this brochure will be available in the near future. Specific information concerning protection against Disabled Persons Abuse and Domestic Violence is available on this webpage.