Introduction

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK experienced a troubling rise in hate crimes targeting individuals of Asian heritage.

This blog post aims to delve into the lasting effects of anti-Asian hate crime, post-COVID in the UK, shedding light on the:

• Psychological impacts on victims and communities,
• Strain on social cohesion,
• Implications for economic participation, and
• Challenges in accurately measuring and combating hate crimes.

Understanding these effects is crucial as it can guide us towards developing strategies for support, representation and lasting change in our society.

 

Anti-Asian Hate Crime Throughout and Post-COVID: UK Stats

Research has revealed a troubling trend of increasing hate crimes against Asian people during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Hate crimes targeting Chinese people in London rose significantly, fuelled by COVID-19-related racism against East and Southeast Asians. Hate crimes in London surged by 80% between 2019 and 2020, with a majority of offences being racially motivated. Additionally, there were spikes in race-based hate crimes during the summer of 2020 and 2021, partly linked to racial and religious tensions surrounding events like the Black Lives Matter protests and far-right counter-protests.

 

Home Office Stats, 2021 to 2022 | Instances of surges in hate crime occurred:

• July 16: Following the EU Referendum
• July 17: Following terrorist attacks observed this year
• Summer 20: Following Black Lives Matter protests and far-right counter-protests, after the murder of George Floyd
• Summer 21: Largely due to an increase in racially or religiously aggravated public fear, alarm or distress offences
• Outcomes: The overall proportion of racially or religiously aggravated offences resulting in a charge or summons was 8%, which is lower than the previous year’s 12%
• Charges decrease as recorded crimes rise, with more complex offence types in recent records. This expands and intensifies the investigative caseload.

 

Pandemic Challenges for Asian Communities: Health and Crime Issues

The lasting effects of anti-Asian hate crimes are interconnected with the challenges Asian communities faced during the pandemic. Asian people experienced a higher likelihood of discrimination and racism in healthcare settings, resulting in increased mortality rates. Ethnic minority groups were over four times more likely to die from COVID-19 than White British people, with hate crimes contributing to these disparities. Addressing these health inequalities requires a cross-government strategy to combat systemic racism and improve the overall health and well-being of ethnic minority communities.

 

Psychological Impact and Enduring Effects:

Psychologically, hate crimes have significant and enduring impacts on individuals. Victims may experience a persistent sense of vulnerability and fear for their safety, leading to conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (known as PTSD) and depression. The internalisation of negative stereotypes and feelings of shame further erode the victims’ self-esteem and well-being. Research has linked racialised victimisation to poor mental health outcomes, indicating that the effects of hate crimes will be felt by Asian victims and communities for years to come.

 

Challenges in Reporting and Measuring:

Furthermore, the justice system’s unequal treatment of Asians, especially during the pandemic, has led to a diminished trust in law enforcement. This lack of confidence and fear of reprisals can deter hate crime reporting, hindering the accurate measurement of hate crime rates. Without reliable data, policymakers may struggle to address the issues effectively, underscoring the need for representation and understanding in the formulation of policies and strategies.

 

Conclusion: The Call for Representation and Understanding

The rise in anti-Asian hate crimes during and after the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the urgency for representation and understanding in addressing and preventing such incidents. It is essential to prioritise the implementation of strategies that promote:

• Fair access to healthcare,
• Adopt trust and cooperation with law enforcement, and
• Dismantle systemic barriers that perpetuate hatred and discrimination.

Representation plays a crucial role in ensuring the voices and needs of affected communities are heard, leading to more effective policy changes and targeted initiatives to combat hate crimes. By promoting diversity and understanding, we can work towards creating a society where hate crimes are eradicated, and everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.

 

Importance of Ongoing Research:

Ongoing research and monitoring of hate crime incidents in the UK are vital to gaining a comprehensive understanding of the lasting effects of anti-Asian hate crime, post-COVID. It is through collective efforts and a commitment to combating hatred and racism that we can build a more inclusive and harmonious society for all. Addressing hate crimes is incredibly complex and requires a communal, collaborative effort.

 

Here are some strategies for combating hate crimes:

Sustain Research Efforts:

• Allocate resources for ongoing research on hate crime trends, patterns and causes.
• Collaborate with academics and institutions for comprehensive insights.

Data Sharing and Analysis:

• Partner with criminal justice and law enforcement for thorough hate crime data analysis.
• Identify trends, demographics and hotspots for targeted interventions.

Collaborative Workshops and Seminars:

• Organise events with experts, officials and charities for problem-solving.
• Share research findings and collaboration.

Educational Initiatives:

• Develop programs for understanding hate crimes, training criminal justice, law enforcement and leaders.
• Train on recognising, responding to and preventing hate incidents.

Policy Advocacy:

• Collaborate to shape and strengthen hate crime legislation and policies.
• Advocate for reporting mechanisms, penalties and victim support.

Community Engagement:

• Engage with communities, advocacy groups and charities to raise awareness.
• Promote inclusivity and tolerance through open dialogues.

Resource Sharing:

• Develop guides for law enforcement, agencies, and charities to combat hate crimes.
• Share best practices and successful strategies.

Victim Support:

• Partner with charities for emotional support, legal advice and resources.
• Ensure holistic assistance through advocacy organisations.

Public Awareness Campaigns:

• Launch campaigns to educate communities about hate crimes and reporting.
• Use various media for wider reach.

Data-Driven Policy Recommendations:

• Use research for evidence-based policy suggestions.
• Highlight effective prevention, intervention and rehabilitation approaches.

Regular Progress Assessment:

• Continuously assess collaboration effectiveness and adjust strategies.
• Regularly review hate crime data, trends and policies – proactively.

Global Collaboration:

• Exchange knowledge with international counterparts and organisations.
• Learn from successful hate crime prevention models.

 

This blog post has been written for the Diversity Trust by Khesha Patel. Khesha has been involved in advancing Equality, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in all kinds of professional settings. She currently supports our Race & Bias team as a Race & Bias Team Coordinator. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and/or Instagram.

 

Hate Crime Awareness Podcast:

 

 

Long standing partners of the Diversity Trust, SARI – Stand Against Racism and Inequality – hosted a panel of experts, sharing their knowledge, lived experience, and professional viewpoints around Hate Crime for Hate Crime Awareness Week, 2023. Listen to it, here.

 

Video clips:

• Centering lived experience
• Our work in collaboration with partners

 

Training:

 

Check out our Hate Crime Awareness training course, here.