Experienced racism? Here's what you can do

At a time when people of all ethnicities, cultures and faith backgrounds around the world are struggling to fight coronavirus (COVID-19), we must be united against prejudice and show compassion for all people.

With acknowledgement and respect of First Nations people, their rights and connection to this land, and with recognition of all cultures, Victoria is a proudly multicultural society. Our success is due to the hard work and collaborative efforts of people of all backgrounds who have come before us. It is also thanks to the way we share our culture, food, language and way of life. Each and every day.

Racism is simply unacceptable, and we cannot tolerate it here in Victoria.

If you, or someone you know, has experienced discrimination or vilification on the basis of race or religion and would like to report it or seek information about your rights, you can make a complaint to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission(opens in a new window) (VEOHRC).

You can lodge a complaint by:

• completing the online form(opens in a new window)
• using the live chat(opens in a new window)
• emailing: enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)

The complaint can be lodged by the victim or by someone on their behalf. You can also choose to report the incident anonymously if you do not wish to be identified.

To make a complaint or enquiry in a language other than English, send an email to enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window) with your name, preferred language and a contact number. VEOHRC will arrange to call you with an interpreter.

If you do not want to make a formal complaint but want to tell VEOHRC about your experience, you can make a report using the Community Reporting Tool.

You do not have to tell your name and, if you want to, you can ask for someone at the Commission to contact you and try to help you.

VEOHRC also have information in languages other than English about discrimination, your rights in Victoria and the role of the Commission on their website.

Please note that, due to the coronavirus pandemic, VEOHRC has recently made a few adjustments to their operations and services. Their physical office and enquiry phone line are temporarily closed until further notice. But they are able to help and if you would prefer to speak to a member of VEOHRC’s Enquiry Team, please let them know via email with your phone number so they can call you.

If you are a victim of a serious incident of racial and religious vilification or abuse, you should report it to Victoria Police.

Find out more at police.vic.gov.au/prejudice-and-racial-and-religious-vilification(opens in a new window)

The Victorian Multicultural Commission is continuing to engage with the community, service providers and government departments and agencies. Please do not hesitate to email the VMC with any issues, queries or suggestions on: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window).