A new report by Victoria University (VU) has revealed the damaging effects of racism, why those impacted often stay silent and ways to improve anti-racism support across Victoria.
This report aims to understand reporting barriers and support needs for those experiencing racism in Victoria.
A key finding of the report, led by VU’s associate professor Mario Peucker, shows that 76 per cent of survey respondents experienced racism in Australia (or someone in their care); two-thirds of them have experienced racism in the past 12 months, most commonly in employment (57 per cent), shopping centres/shops (50 per cent), on public transport (38 per cent) and other public places (37 per cent) or online (35 per cent).
Another key finding is that less than 16 per cent have reported an incident of racism to an organisation or community group and those who have done so reported predominantly within the organisation where the incident occurred or to Victoria Police.
The report—which was in partnership with the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV) and the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) and funded by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth)—also shows that the reasons people did not report were often interconnected and mutually reinforced.
They include, among others, a sense of hopelessness (nothing would change; 91 per cent), the view that reporting is too difficult (83 per cent), concerns about not being taken seriously (83 per cent), worries about negative consequences (76 per cent) or not knowing where to report (75 per cent), and negative reporting experiences in the past also discourage reporting in the future.
The last finding is that less than 30 per cent thought there were enough adequate reporting options in Victoria, and while a majority knew how to generally report to Victoria Police, only a few people knew how to access other reporting options and support services.
Based on a community survey of 703 Victorians from culturally and racially marginalised communities and complemented by 27 focus groups, the results offer unprecedented insights into community perspectives and experiences with racism, reporting barriers and motives and the support needs after having faced racism.
For those who have faced racism personally and collectively, speaking about their experiences is often very painful, distressing and even re-traumatising, not least due to the lack of safe spaces for such conversations.
A woman of Somali background called for more community-led advocacy and assistance in navigating existing anti-racism support services.
Associate Professor Peucker said listening to and centring these community voices is crucial for any advancement in reducing racism.
“Anti-racism must be guided by their voices. Our report captures the experiences of hundreds of people who continue to be negatively impacted by racism while offering proactive ways to encourage people to speak out and ultimately improve anti-racism support,” he said.
ECCV chairperson Mr Eddie Micallef said he believes diverse migrant and refuge communities hold the key to shaping more effective policies and strategies to end racism in Victoria.
“By better understanding what our migrant and refugee communities need, we can empower them to call out racism, report it and take the steps to seek support,” Mr Micallef said.
The report also highlights tangible measures to better align reporting pathways and support services with community needs, including organising regular training and workshops, the need for ongoing community engagement to build awareness of legal anti-racism rights, and existing reporting and support services in Victoria, and increase accountability for racist behaviour by strengthening legal protection and enforcement of existing legal frameworks.
