“If it’s not reported, for all intents and purposes, it didn’t happen…if we don’t talk about it, it’s not recognized.” Dr. Dan Richardson of Culver City’s Mobile Crisis Team spoke at the “United Against Hate” event on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. “We like to be a resource, where people can talk to us about anything. One incident can impact a whole family, a whole community.”
The Los Angeles Outpatient Clinic in Fox Hills was the setting for a panel discussion during “United Against Hate Week.” The ‘lunch and learn’ event saw Dr. Richardson of the Culver City Mobile Crisis Unit, Culver City Police Chief Jason Sims, LAOC Director Dominique Hamler, and Victim Advocate Luis Gonzalez of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office all offering their perspectives and experiences.
Sims noted that there was a difference between a hate crime and a hate incident, but that reporting was needed for incidents as well. “If there’s a concern for safety, call the police. If there’s a need for services, then call the Crisis Team… because we have such a solid relationship, if you call the Crisis Team [and it’s not something they can respond to] they will refer it to us, and vice versa, if we get a call that’s not police work, we will refer it to them.”
Hamler noted that she came to the field of mental health work through her own experience of trauma with domestic abuse, and that having someone to reach out to was critical. “I saw an opportunity, and I was able to get out of this horrendous situation…when I needed you most, you were there…I encourage people to get treatment, and partner with people who are advocates.”
Gonzalez, whose position involves assisting victims to access support services, restitution and victim compensation funds, sought to make his role more visible. “People don’t know … unless I get a referral from law enforcement. People don’t realize [that there are support resources available] even if the case does not go forward.”
Reporting a hate crime, even if you are not sure it’s a crime, is a vital step towards both reducing the problem and getting support to those who have suffered. Calling 211 is a statewide system that allows for people to put an incident on the map, and hold haters accountable.
Judith Martin-Straw
Photo – L to R – Richardson, Sims, Hamler and Gonzalez at panel discussion
