Social concerns
Misinformation about coronavirus has been creating fear as well as provoking unacceptable bad behaviors and actions. This makes it harder to keep everyone healthy, especially from a new virus that we are continually learning about. We all must do our part to reduce and respond to the social stigma that is associated with COVID-19. Below are some reliable resources to utilize and share.
STOP ANTI-ASIAN HATE CRIMES
The senseless acts of violence across the nation against the Asian community
has left us all angry, heartbroken, anxious, and scared. The influx of hate crimes
targeted towards the AAPI communities have been racially motivated ever since the pandemic. VHC is committed to doing our part – to lend our voice, to educate and learn, to support and join other local organizations as we reject racial discrimination and #StopAsianHate
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A hate crime is “ a crime motivated by bias against race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability”. https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes/learn-about-hate-crimes
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In 16 of the largest cities in the United states (including Seattle), total hate crimes have DECREASED by 6% while Anti- Asian hate crimes have INCREASED by 145% https://www.csusb.edu/sites/default/files/FACT%20SHEET-%20Anti-Asian%20Hate%202020%20rev%203.21.21.pdf
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From 2019 to 2020, the hate crimes against the Asian community went from 33% to 145%
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Many crimes go unreported due to language barriers, cultural barriers, mistrust/distrust with law enforcement, etc.
REPORT A HATE CRIME
FIND MORE RESOURCES
What can we do to reduce the stigma?
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Stay informed and share trusted sources of information
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Speak up if you hear, see, or read stigmatizing or harassing comments as well as misinformation
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Be cautious of your language. Check your own stigmas and biases.
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Use the following recommended and appropriate terms when communicating about COVID-19 by clicking the link here: Spread the Facts
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Show compassion and support for individuals and communities more closely impacted
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Avoid stigmatizing people who are in quarantine and who choose to wear a face covering or not
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Do not make assumptions about someone's health based on their ethnicity, race, or nationality
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Report discrimination
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also has an informative page on the stigma associated with COVID-19 and how to reduce this stigma:
CDC - Reducing Stigma (English)
CDC - Reducing Stigma (Vietnamese)
Reference: Kingcounty.gov - Coronavirus and Stigma and WA State DOH - Stigma Reduction
How to report discrimination
Washington State Human Rights Commission
The state organization for filing a charge of discrimination for employers, housing providers, and businesses anywhere in Washington.
Organization
Description
Website Link
King County Office of Civil Rights
This office handles discrimination complaints only for King County government and for employers, housing, and businesses in the unincorporated parts of King County (outside the cities).
Seattle Office for Civil Rights
This office handles discriminatory harassment in housing, employment, or public places within Seattle city limits.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice
A national affiliation of 5 leading organizations advocating for the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and other underserved communities. This website reports, documents, and shares stories of hate as a means of education.
Stop the Hate
This grassroots organization aims to provide community online tools for anonymous reporting and accountability.