Capitol Hill has seen a rise in anti-gay, malicious harassment cases over the summer. Most of the crimes have occurred late at night in the Pike-Pine corridor or along Broadway. In November, more than 200 concerned citizens met for a community forum to address the subject at the Broadway Performance Hall. As the prosecutor who has investigated and filed these charges, I would like to make some comments and suggestions as we attempt to combat these ugly crimes.
Any hate crime in our community is one too many. However, in the past, Capitol Hill has witnessed hate crimes that were organized and targeted the gay community. The current hate-crime cases do not fit that pattern.
All of the hate crimes that have occurred this summer and fall have appeared to be random acts perpetrated by drunken individuals or groups preying on individuals they randomly encounter. While disturbing, it is important to recognize that these crimes do not appear to be orchestrated by white supremist groups that had been actively targeting gays on Capitol Hill in past years.
There are actions that individuals can take to help reduce being a potential target of hate crimes on Capitol Hill. Staying alert to one's surroundings, and staying with friends if leaving night clubs or coffee shops at night is advisable.
Most of the hate crimes that occurred this summer happened at or near bar closing time. The defendants randomly came upon victims who were simply walking home from an evening out . Safety in groups can help reduce risk.
Additionally, should one encounter a bully, we advise people not to engage them but to call 911 immediately.
Report the harassment and any bigoted words or actions that the offenders subject the victims to. This helps ensure that the police report gets to the bias-crimes detective, who can follow up the investigation with a focus on a hate crime motive.
We are fortunate that the Harborview Sexual Assault and Trauma Services Center, nationally recognized experts in post-tramatic stress disorders, is located within our community at 14th Avenue and Jefferson Street. They specialize in treating victims of hate crimes, and we can make referrals to assist victims in recovery.
The King County Prosecutor's Office, together with our community partners, The Gay Men's Health Project and the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce, are preparing community-alert posters advocating that our community "Bust Hate Crimes." We will be distributing these posters to shops, clubs and individuals to alert citizens of the problem and to offer solutions should one encounter a bullying incident in progress.
Additionally, the King County Prosecutor's Office is working with Seattle Police in training to improve our response to victims of these disturbing crimes. Organizations such as Home Alive offer self protection for citizens and support for victims of these crimes. Acting together, we can help reduce the incidents of hate crimes in our community and hold offenders accountable when they disturb the peace of our diverse and tolerant community.
Working together, we can make a difference in making Capitol Hill a Hate Free Zone.
Capitol Hill resident Mike Hogan is a senior deputy prosecuting attorney for the King County Prosecutor's Office. He has been working on malicious harassment cases for roughly 20 years.
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