The Asian American Federation partnered the Nonviolent Peaceforce to hold training sessions Saturday to help protect people throughout the city from violence.

Asian New Yorkers have experienced a rise in hate crimes since March of last year, during the onset of the pandemic. A year later in August, the NYPD reported a 375% increase in hate crimes.

The Asian American Federation partnered with the nonviolent Peaceforce to launch a community safety program with the Hope Against Hate campaign to recruit volunteers right from the neighborhoods that are experiencing the most violence.

Groups participating in the event said the goal is to show the community how to safely de-escalate potentially violent situations.

Those in attendance received special training on how to deal with conflict through non-violent, unarmed civilian protection.

Organizers said the program was held in Sunset Park because of the high volume of Asian Hate Crimes in the area.

They plan to take these trainings to Asian communities in Chinatown and Flushing, Queens.