Austin Sets Up Site To Report COVID-19 Related Harassment

Austin TX

19 March, 2021

2:11 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — As many Asian Americans across the country report an increase in hate crimes during the pandemic, the city of Austin has set up a link to report COVID-19 related harassment. The city said Wednesday it has noticed an uptick in Asian American hate crimes in the area and has heard reports of a local business being the target of "death threats and vandalism." As a result, the city created a "Report COVID-19 Racism" link on its website Friday. The site gives area residents a center to report incidents of hate they have experienced. The report link was created by the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON) and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA). Tracking local and national incidents of racial harassment can help inform response and prevent future incidents from happening, the city's website said. We support, protect and celebrate our city's Asian American Pacific Islander families, their businesses and cultural contributions to the Austin community. Read more: https://t.co/x8xI0TuajB— Mayor Adler | wear a mask. (@MayorAdler) March 17, 2021 Mayor Steve Adler said Wednesday the racial targeting and hate crimes against the Asian American Pacific Islander community is not just a national issue, but an Austin issue as well. Adler said the Asian American Pacific Islander community makes up 8 percent of the city's total population, and Asian American Pacific Islander owned businesses make up a significant portion of Austin's overall economy. Asians in Austin are the fastest growing demographic group, doubling roughly every 12 years, according to the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce. "One of the things that makes Austin one of the greatest places to live and work is its people. The city is rich in its overall diversity, and that heterogeneity benefits our overall community and economy," Adler said. "We support, protect and celebrate our city's Asian American Pacific Islander families, their businesses and cultural contributions to the Austin community." Would love to hear everyone's favorite Asian food/dishes in Austin. Let's support these businesses! https://t.co/gA8KyILQJs— Mayor Adler | wear a mask. (@MayorAdler) March 19, 2021 The Austin/Travis County Hate Crimes Task Force (HCTF) announced Friday the threats against the community makes everyone all less safe and "will not be tolerated." "The AAPI community in Austin/Travis County strengthens our region and makes it richer and more vibrant," the organization said. "We stand ready to support and protect the AAPI community in this moment of growing fear and apprehension." The Austin/Travis County Hate Crimes Task Force was officially launched on Dec. 15, 2010 with a vision to form "a respectful community free of hate." The Task Force includes representatives from over 70 city and county agencies, law enforcement, civil rights groups, and other stakeholders. According to the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, if you experience any microaggressions, racial profiling, or any sort of attacks verbal - whether it's a dirty look, a racial slur or something worse - here's what you need to do: Dial 9-1-1 if you are in any dangerIf there are people around you, approach one person to help (people are more likely to respond individually, rather than as a group). You can say "This person is being rude and I am feeling threatened. Can you walk me to my car?"If you are witnessing an incident and there is no danger, approach the victim and move away together. If you can video the incident safely, then more action can be taken, either reporting to the police, or calling it out on social mediaPlease report incidents here.