Educators demonstrate support for victims of hate crimes and other bias incidents by providing for their physical safety, condemning the act and implementing appropriate consequences for perpetrators. In addition, victims of hateful acts have emotional needs that must be met. They often feel violated, angry, vulnerable and alone. Psychologists emphasize that most such incidents target individuals as scapegoats for whole identity groups toward which the perpetrator has an irrational prejudice. Nonetheless, the experience often leaves victims tormented by the question "Why me?"

A victim's wishes regarding privacy should be respected. In the case of teachers, a close colleague should find out if the victim wants other people to know what has happened. In the case of students, a teacher close to the student or the designated safe contact person (see also Establish School Policies that Promote Equity and Respect) should ask the student his or her wishes regarding privacy. Unless a victim requests otherwise, follow the advice of one California teacher: "Surround them with people who care." Here are ways to do that:

• Confer with the victim's family. In the case of assault or serious personal threat or intimidation against a student, contact his or her parents immediately and invite them to school to talk to administrators and counselors about the incident. Allow the victim to invite a favorite teacher or staff member to conferences about the incident. School nurses, for example, are often privy to the health consequences of harassment and assault. Tell victims and parents about victim advocacy, counseling and support resources at school and in the community.

• Use extreme sensitivity. Avoid any suggestion that the victim somehow "brought on" the attack. If a victim of harassment retaliates against the perpetrator, be careful not to allow the original provocation to go unaddressed.

• Express regret. Let victims of serious hate incidents know that they are supported throughout the school. Tell them that you are sorry for what has happened and that the school will do everything possible to identify offenders and provide appropriate consequences. Ask other faculty and staff members to express their regret about the incident, too. Ask victims for their suggestions for preventing future incidents, and invite them to join organized problem-solving efforts, such as a diversity council.

• Encourage student outreach. Ask concerned students to offer victims their support. If the school has peer mediators, a diversity club or support groups appropriate to the situation, such as a minority student alliance, ask them to do the same.