NCJ Number
185029
Date Published
1998
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This 1997 audit is currently the only comprehensive, nationwide, non-governmental compilation and analysis of anti-Asian violence in the United States.
Abstract
The data and analysis presented are based on 1997 FBI hate-crime incidents reported by police in the FBI Uniform Crime Reports. There was a 10-percent overall decrease in anti-Asian incidents reported in 1997, but there was a significant increase in reports in California and New Jersey. There were 481 anti-Asian incidents reported for 1997. Incidents classified as "unknown" increased 69 percent. Asian Pacific Americans continue to suffer hate crimes in their homes, places of employment, and schools. Relevant data continue to be difficult to obtain; that which is available is incomplete and limited by widespread underreporting. Hate crimes against Asian Pacific Americans may be caused by rapid demographic changes. Xenophobia (fear of foreigners) and the rising popularity of hate groups continues to motivate incidents of hate-related violence. This report recommends that law enforcement comply with the Hate Crimes Statistics Act of 1990 and collect accurate and fully detailed data on hate-related violence. There is a continuing need for hate crimes statutes in each State and more effective Federal legislation. Further, educational institutions must acknowledge and address the severity of the hate crimes problem, especially the increase in hate messages sent through e-mails and the Internet. Also, housing authorities must do more to stop the increasing tide of bias violence that is occurring on their properties. Other recommendations pertain to police training, Federal resources for mediation efforts, the prosecution of hate crimes, and resources for communities experiencing rapid demographic change. 10 figures and an audit resource list