CHICAGO, IL (Chambana Today) – The state of Illinois is urgently calling its residents to stop hate.

Hate crimes in Illinois have skyrocketed to 125% statewide since 2021 with bias of race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity driving over 95% of incidents. Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) and Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes (CDHC) are calling on the public to report hate through the Help Stop Hate initiative. This is a safe, confidential service that provides support and resources.

“At this moment in time, when some are influencing or condoning hateful violence and rhetoric, we are encouraging Illinoisans to take action by reporting all acts of hate,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Help Stop Hate not only empowers impacted individuals to break the cycle of silence and seek specialized support, but it also helps us foster a safer, more inclusive Illinois.”

“The surge in vitriol, violence and hate-fueled acts in Illinois is truly distressing. It’s incumbent upon every Illinoisan to make it clear: hate has no home in Illinois,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “Help Stop Hate is a vital tool to empower our communities by encouraging people to speak up, report what they see, and stand together against intolerance in all its forms.”

Help Stop Hate offers immediate relief through anonymous reporting, trauma-informed care, and connections to services—such as legal aid—to fill gaps where traditional systems fall short. It is a statewide service supporting targeted individuals. However, there are still under reported acts of hate going on, which limits progress. To drive further awareness, the IDHR and CDHC launched a statewide campaign.

They are partnering with several local organizations including the City of Moline, the City of Urbana, the City of Champaign, and Not in Our Town Bloomington-Normal.

“Illinois stands firm in its promise to uphold dignity and respect for all,” said IDHR Director Jim Bennett. “When our communities are affected by hate, we respond with action. Help Stop Hate empowers individuals to heal and reclaim their safety.”

Acts of hate are defined as those that target people based on their actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship, immigration status, or national origin. Hate incidents are categorized into hate crimes, bias-motivated civil rights violations, and hateful, but legal expressions.

Help Stop Hate allows Illinoisans to report acts of hate safely and anonymously, with no affiliation to law enforcement or immigration authorities. Personal information will only be shared with law enforcement if legally required and will never be shared with immigration agencies.

Victims or witnesses can report acts of hate online anytime at ILStopHate.org or over the phone at 877-458-HATE (4283) between noon – 9 p.m. CT weekdays.