WASHINGTON—Last year, three businesses in Georgia were attacked by an assailant resulting in the murder of eight, including six Asian American women. These attacks elevated the invisibility of anti-Asian hate, in particular violence against Asian women, resulting in the enactment of federal laws to address the rising tide of violence against Asian American communities.
Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific American Health Forum (APIAHF) released the following statement:
“APIAHF continues to offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families, loved ones, and communities that were harmed by the March 16, 2021 horrific murders, and by the violence that continues to wound our community.
“The COVID-19 pandemic led to a concerning trend of increased violence against Asian Americans. Despite action by the federal government to address this national crisis, racism remains a public health crisis and violence against Asian Americans continues to run rampant.
“Our community is not alone, and I am proud that we have the dedicated support of so many advocates in government and in our colleagues. We must eradicate hate and we will do so together.”
Resources to address hate incidents in Asian American & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander languages can be found at the National AA and NH/PI Health Response Partnership website.
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The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.