Preventing racial and religious hate: An evidence-based toolkit for preventing prejudice and vilification
We all deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and know that we belong. Prejudice and vilification have no place in our community. They cause harm to health, can lead to violence and marginalise communities.
To prevent prejudice and vilification, we have undertaken research into the drivers and effective strategies to prevent racial and religious vilification. The research provides a strong evidence base to help policy makers and communities take effective action.
About this report
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission developed the research report Preventing racial and religious hate to find out what works to prevent racial and religious prejudice and vilification.
This research responds to recommendation 3 from the Victorian Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee’s 2021 Inquiry into anti-vilification protections, which provided that: “the Victorian Government fund ongoing research on the drivers behind vilification conduct and prejudice, and effective strategies to prevent this conduct.”
The research report combines:
- existing academic research, expert opinion, and community feedback to explore what drives prejudice (negative mindsets towards other people or groups) and vilification (harmful behaviour that act outs those negative attitudes) against people because of their race and religion
- an analysis of evidence-based strategies that have been used or tested to prevent prejudice and vilification.
This report, funded by Multicultural Affairs within the Department of Premier and Cabinet, provides an important foundation for future work in prejudice and vilification prevention in Victoria.
More about the report
The research report:
- establishes a set of 9 core principles for the Victorian Government and community to use when designing approaches or strategies to prevent prejudice and vilification in Victoria
- summarises the different types of underlying drivers of prejudice and vilification
- outlines more than 5 key evidence-based prevention strategies
- provides a series of case studies and principles for designing future prevention initiatives or programs.
Who is this research for?
The Commission recognises that sharing evidence-based insights and best practice strategies are essential to designing effective and enduring responses to racial and religious prejudice and vilification.
This research will be of importance to government, organisations and individuals involved in designing programs, approaches or strategies to prevent racial and or religious prejudice and vilification in Victoria.
How can we help?
If you have experienced racial or religious vilification or discrimination, contact our Enquiry Line on 1300 292 153 or enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au.
For more information about your rights and how you can make a complaint visit our website on Get help l Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.
Support services?
Racial and religious prejudice and vilification cause a range of harms. We have created a directory of services to help people get support and access a range services. Please view our services directory here:
https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/education/reducing-racism-hub/services-directory/