How To Reduce Anti-Asian Violence in SF

GrowSF Clubhouse series

Meet Nancy Tung, Kamala Harris’ Assistant District Attorney, for a discussion on how we can reduce anti-Asian violence in San Francisco.

When: Wednesday, March 10, 12PM PT

Guests:

Hosts:

Noted increase in Anti-Asian Violence

Noted there have been an increase in hate incidents over last year
Also an increase in bullying of young and old residents
There were 700 cases in Bay Area, and 200 in SF
COVID brought issues to the forefront, and Trump rhetoric exacerbated it - emboldening people
POCs have always been a scapegoat for problems, and this is why its happening now
60% of reported cases of anti-asian hate relate to COVID

Historical Context for Anti-Asian Violence

There is systemic and historical racism with Asian Americans
Racism in our history - Chinese exclusion act; to the set up of Chinatown itself
But Asian Americans under-report bullying and harassment

Post Pandemic crime

Noted that these incidents may not stop after COVID
Wave of anti-asian violence has been around before, and these things become memetic
General negative opinion of china will perpetuate this too
Some positive steps with “Racial Liberalism” that FDR supported and now Biden is

Under Reporting of Incidents

Asian Americans under-eport for two reasons: cultural and distrust of police
Culturally, asian americans are ingrained to “not rock the boat” and “just take it”
Distrust of government and police stems from centuries of treatment
But also even if they file a police report, police dont arrive for hours

Lack of Engagement with Law Enforcement

Inability for Asian Americans to work with police / DA stems from language and cultural barriers
Have to go to DA office to follow through on crime, and cant take time off work
Older generation is reliant on children to translate, which is a barrier to reporting crime
Police does have apps to translate, but its missing human connection
Police need multi-lingual officers, with a personal touch

Solutions to Problem

Work with survivors today to build trust
Ensure bilingual officers are in Victim Support Units with Police
Increase support of police response in case of non-homicide cases; funding has been diverted primarily to homicide, so police dont show up for hours
Increase cultural language competence in DAs office
Have individuals from DAs office come to the victim, rather than the victim have to come into the office - difficult for older generation, taking off work
All legal forms are in English - have them in Mandarin too
Expand Court Watch program - volunteers who go to open court cases to show support for victims
Community Outreach programs by CYC - where they build relationships with merchants and residents
Refund the community outreach programs that were defunded by City government
Support Victims Fund - provide victims with assets to compensate for support

Black / Asian Relations

Noted historical tensions between groups, but also noted as overblown
Noted that the Black and Asian communities have collaborated from back to the Rainbow Coalition with the Black Panthers
Area for opportunity may be between older generation immigrant Asian Americans

How the Community Can Help