Violent acts and hate crimes against the Asian community have risen dramatically during the pandemic. The murder of eight people in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 17 is the most recent example, and also calls attention to rising violence against women and access to guns. Before this horrific act, there had already been an increase of nearly 150 percent in violence against Asian Americans in the biggest cities in the United States from 2019 to 2020, according to an analysis by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism.
The Center for Court Innovation denounces these attacks and supports the safety and security of the Asian community.
Asian Americans are too often invisible in racial bias discussions in the United States, and problems they face—including high poverty rates, mental health needs, and discrimination—are frequently ignored. The fight against racism is inseparable from our mission to build stronger and healthier communities and an equitable justice system. We must invest in historically marginalized communities and come together to build sustainable community-driven solutions to safety. All people, including Asian Americans and other people of color, must be able to live without fear.
The Center is committed to anti-racism, reducing harm, enhancing safety, and building a just world for all. Stand with the Asian community today.
Mental Health Resources
- HCAP’s list of mental health organizations serving the Asian American/Pacific Islander community in New York City
- Asian Mental Health Collective
- Red Hook CARES offers free mental health counseling: 646.573.4665 or scalletd@courtinnovation.org
- Midtown Community Court offers free mental health counseling: courtinnovation.org/midtown-connect
Resources to Address Anti-Asian Hate
- NYC Commission on Human Rights: Stop Asian Hate: A Toolkit for Addressing Anti-Asian Bias, Discrimination, and Hate
- StopAAPIHate: information and resources for those who experience hate and those witnessing hate
- Hollaback: guide to bystander intervention
- Learning for Justice: “Speak Up” strategies to respond to coronavirus racism
- Asian American’s Advancing Justice: bystander intervention virtual trainings