Exploring the Network Structure of Help‐Seeking Resources Among Latinx Victims of Hate‐ and Bias‐Motivated Violence
Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology
Published online on March 31, 2026
Abstract
["Journal of Community &Applied Social Psychology, Volume 36, Issue 3, May/June 2026. ", "\nABSTRACT\nRates of hate crime and bias victimisation against Latinx individuals are increasing in the United States. It is imperative to understand how Latinx individuals seek help following such incidents. Using data from the Understanding and Measuring Bias Victimization against Latinos study, this paper examines the network structure of help‐seeking resources among Latinx victims of hate crime and bias victimisation. We constructed a network of formal and informal help‐seeking resources using participants' survey responses about the services they co‐relied on for assistance after experiencing bias victimisation. Results indicate that the police were the most central service, while family members served as a bridge between formal and informal services. Additionally, resources were segregated according to their formality designation in the help‐seeking network with formal and informal resources connected in distinct clusters. Findings carry potential to assist practitioners when identifying which services could benefit from greater links to community partners and informal systems, as well as those that should receive additional training and resources to meet the needs of clients who have experienced bias victimisation.\n"]