NCJ Number
122993
Date Published
1989
Length
8 pages
Annotation
An analysis of racially-motivated violence in Australia concluded that the problem is serious and requires several types of responses, including the collection of accurate statistical data, community education programs, legislation, and active law enforcement.
Abstract
The group studying the problem was established in December 1988 by the Equal Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act of 1986 and will report its findings in April 1990. Information gathered so far indicates that the extent of the problem is unknown, because many victims do not report the attacks and official statistics do not cover racially-motivated crimes. However, victims clearly come from a wide range of backgrounds and from all parts of the community. The two main groups affected are the visible minorities like Aboriginal people and the individuals or organizations who advocate or work for the implementation of nonracist policies. Victims experience both financial and psychological impacts. Strategies to address the problem include the establishment of penalties for perpetrators, improvements in the methods of monitoring the frequency and nature of racist attacks, and effective community education to change attitudes and behaviors. Statements from an Aboriginal woman, an overseas student, and a representative of a community organization are included.