These events were organised and promoted by self-proclaimed racists and must be condemned as such. Messages of hate and the actions of neo-Nazis have no place in a safe and equal Victoria.
As the state’s dedicated organisation for the prevention of family violence and violence against women, we are compelled to highlight that racist attacks, systemic racism and the ongoing impacts of colonisation have very real implications for the safety of women and families in our state.
When groups of people are devalued and their right to live peacefully debated or denied on the basis of race or faith, others are more likely to use violence against them.
The reality of what happened in Victoria last weekend is devastating. People were physically assaulted and injured; communities were intimidated and humiliated; families had to explain to their children it wasn’t safe to go out as they would on any other weekend.
Against the backdrop of increasing anti-immigration and racism on the global stage, this is the confronting reality so many of us find ourselves in.
As an organisation dedicated to preventing violence, we stand with migrants, refugees, people of colour and First Peoples, and affirm their rights to be safe, equal and respected. We call on Victorians, organisations and institutions to engage in anti-racism, the continuous practice of actively working against personal, institutional and structural racism.
Victorians and Australians hold an immense privilege. We get to witness and celebrate the world’s oldest, continuous living cultures, alongside the diversity of faiths, cultures, languages and backgrounds of a nation of migrants.
We commit to listening to and elevating the stories of our communities, using the privilege we hold to challenge hate, and to sharing the burden that so many of our communities, families, friends, and colleagues are facing.
Because when we connect to, value and respect each other, we build homes, relationships and communities that are safe.