Hate Crime Survivors
In July, 1996, Montrose
Counseling Center initiated a new program to provide individual, couples,
and group counseling and case management to survivors of hate crimes.
Hate crimes are defined as:
- physical or verbal harassment/intimidation
- property destruction or defacement
- written statements of a derogatory nature
Because of perceived or actual:
- Sexual Orientation
- Race
- Religion
- Ethnicity
- Gender
- Disability
People who feel they were
targeted for any of the categories listed above are eligible for counseling
and case management. Family members are also eligible for our services.
Therapy services center around the trauma of being targeted for a hate crime,
focusing on the individual's reactions to the crime. Common emotional reactions
include fear, guilt, shame, anger, isolation and withdrawal. People may also
experience difficulties at work, home and out in the community.
Case management services include assistance with filing for Crime Victims
Compensation, assistance throughout legal procedures (including reporting
the crime, if the person chooses to), client advocacy, information/referral
and education.
Although we encourage individuals to report the incident to the police, people
do not need to report the incident to authorities in order to receive services.
We also insure complete confidentiality and dignity of individuals. It is
not illegal to think hate, but it is illegal to act on that thinking.