Victims of violent crimes, including those from the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, are not getting the services they need, a new report from the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights confirmed.
While the rate of violent crime has gone down since the 1990s, those perpetrated against Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have seen an increase since the COVID pandemic, the Commission said.
Michelle Go was fatally pushed into the path of an oncoming subway train in New York. Her father spoke out at a recent hearing.
“Asian Americans have all too often been the targets of xenophobic hysteria. Many have been attacked and murdered. Because my daughter was likely a recent victim of such anti-Asian hate, I urge the U.S. Civil Rights Commission to address and investigate the unceasing waves of hatred and violence against Asian Americans,” Justin Go said.
The report also found that those who are limited English proficient are less likely to get the services they need.
It found that 52% of AANHPI immigrants were limited English proficient. That includes 79% of Burmese, 72% of Vietnamese, 67% of Cambodian, and 66% of Chinese immigrants.
“While not everyone will feel comfortable turning to law enforcement, when people from our community do, it is vital that they are able to access help in their language,” said Marita Ectubanez of Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC [Victim services and] Civil rights are not limited only to those who can communicate effectively in English.”
Commissioner Glenn D. Magpantay recognized the significance of the latest report.
“This report on violent crime follows up on the Commission’s prior report on anti-Asian violence and hate crimes from last year. Both reports found deficiencies in providing services to victims.”
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