New York AG launches hate crime hotline amid rise in assaults against Asian-Americans

NEW YORK (WHAM) - A new hotline will be open to report hate crimes and bias-related situations amid a rise in assaults and harassment directed toward Asian-Americans in New York.

The last several several weeks have seen an increase in the number of Asian-American people being physically assaulted or harassed in New York because of the rise in novel coronavirus cases.

New York Attorney General Letitia James said the rise in anti-Asian rhetoric, including the use of the incorrect and racially-charged term "Chinese virus", has unfairly created a stigma around Asian communities.

“No one should live in fear for their life because of who they are, what they look like, or where they come from," James said in a statement.

The Attorney General’s Office is working to connect victims with resources in their communities, along with launching civil investigations, and supporting local law enforcement.

The hotline is (800) 771-7755; emails can also be sent to this address.