Bias, discrimination and hate crimes continue to tear our communities apart. We are still recovering from the most devastating hate crime ever perpetrated on American soil that took place on September 11, 2001. As a result, there has been an increase in hate crimes and discrimination committed throughout our country — particularly those motivated by the victim's ethnicity or religion. During the period directly after the terrorist attacks and even leading up to the anniversary of the event, incidents of people being victimized and discriminated against because of the way they look or worship have escalated.

When incidents of bias, discrimination and hate crimes occur, BiasHELP of Long Island stands ready to help the victims, their families and communities to heal. We are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit agency dedicated to preventing, monitoring and lessening the effects of bias crimes, hate-related harassment and discrimination in Nassau and Suffolk counties. In order to combat bias, discrimination and hate crimes, we provide services, outreach and educational programs. BiasHELP considers a crime to be discriminatory or bias-related when a victim is intentionally selected, in whole or in part, because of their perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, age, disability (including HIV status) or sexual orientation. Though BiasHELP serves all who fall prey to bias crimes, hate-related harassment and discrimination, our programs recognize that women, racial and ethnic minorities, Jewish people, and members of the gay and lesbian community are among the populations most often victimized.

At the heart of BiasHELP's mission are the following priorities:

Health
BiasHELP recognizes and understands the far-ranging impact of bias crimes, hate-related harassment and discrimination on victims, their families and the surrounding community. As such, we are committed to the ongoing development of support services designed to repair the physical and emotional harm inflicted on victims and those around them.

Education
BiasHELP believes that education is the most important weapon for combating discrimination and bias-related violence. The reduction of hate, prejudice and intolerance helps reduce intergroup tensions, thereby decreasing and preventing incidents of conflict and violence. The furtherance of community and school-based educational initiatives are central to BiasHELP's purpose.

Leadership
The need to speak out and unite communities against bias crimes, hate-related harassment and discrimination has never been more evident. BiasHELP will develop, support and strengthen community voices to ensure a public response to discrimination and bias crimes on Long Island that is swift and forceful.

Policy
BiasHELP believes that government plays an important role in bias and discrimination reduction efforts and is committed to advocating for fair and effective public policy in this area. BiasHELP will work on local, state and federal levels to make sure that government funding and policies adequately meet community needs.

Help yourself to the various resources available on this site. You can also contact us at out toll-free hotline 1-877-END-BIAS or by E-mail.