Racism and gendered violence – why we need to focus on both to prevent harm

Racism, whether it is embedded in a system or perpetrated on an interpersonal level, has profound impacts on people’s lives, sense of safety and belonging. For many it can result in poor health and exclusion from opportunities to freely participate in society, at work and in the community. It stokes fear and division and has no place in a just and equal society.  

We cannot prevent gendered violence without also addressing racism; the two are linked. Women from racialised backgrounds can face unique barriers to safety including:

• being targeted by racist and sexist harassment in public spaces
• being misidentified as the perpetrator of violence due to racist stereotyping and profiling
• having their experiences dismissed or violence used against them excused
• not having family or trusted social networks close to them
• having their migration or visa status held over them as a form of control or abuse
• limited access to family violence services that are culturally safe or in their language
• limited trust in services due to repeated experiences of discrimination and racism
• isolation and exclusion resulting in diminished mental health and wellbeing
• exploitation and discrimination in the workplace.

These risk factors for violence increase at times when racist conversations, behaviours and messages are heightened and amplified. We saw this happen recently in Victoria with anti-immigration marches and an attack on First Peoples at Camp Sovereignty.  

In a climate of heightened racist commentary and activities, communities across our state are increasingly experiencing and reporting threats, intimidation and violence against them.  

As organisations dedicated to creating safer Victorian communities, we are using the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence to condemn racism and all forms of violence and hate. Doing so is foundational to preventing gendered violence.  

We are asking all Victorians to do this by:

As an individual

• Reflecting on your own thoughts and actions – learn about how racism shows up and its impacts.  
• Speaking up when you witness racism and showing support to those impacted. Don’t let racist comments slide; instead, show the people around you that the dignity and humanity of everyone matter to you.
• Making connections with women and families from diverse communities or who are new to Australia through work, school and community sport.
• Following and sharing from the social media platforms of First Nations women and women from multicultural backgrounds.  

As a group

• Taking action to address systemic racism in your workplace, school, community club or organisation.
  • Do you have policies and procedures for responding to and preventing discrimination?
  • Do women from diverse backgrounds feel welcome in your space or are they equally represented in leadership?
  • Can you use your resources to support businesses owned by First Nations and multicultural communities?
• Building solidarity – join, link up with and support individuals and organisations that are dedicated to anti racism and amplifying the voices of racialised women.
• Using the 16 Days of Activism Toolkit to help you start conversations about preventing violence against women from all backgrounds.

Get support

inTouch provides culturally tailored specialist services to women and gender non-binary people from migrant and refugee backgrounds experiencing family violence. Call 1800 755 988.

Australian Muslim Women's Centre for Human Rights provides a range of support services, including family violence support. Visit their website to learn more.