SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) had set up a new hotline to report harassment in the city.
Officials say the hotline is part of Seattle’s Bias Hurts Campaign. It’s for Seattle residents and business owners who are the targets of discriminatory harassment, including threats, slurs, intimidation and cyberbullying.
“We want to join with the community to develop actions that we can take to protect and support people over the long term. As a community, we need to take care of one another as much as we can,” said SOCR Director Patricia Lally.
The campaign includes three key components. First is a hotline to report harassment. The number is 206-233-7100.
It also includes meetings with community groups and a media campaign.
The civil rights office is working with the Seattle Police Department, which enforces laws against hate crimes.
Anyone who is a victim of violence, threats or property damage should call 911.
People who experience discriminatory harassment in housing, employment or public places can use the hotline. It is illegal in Seattle to harass someone based on race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected groups. SOCR can investigate allegations of discriminatory harassment, issue findings, and mandate remedies.