New study finds alarming signs of anti-Asian violence, harassment in Seattle
by Hannah Knowles, KOMO News Reporter Wed, September 25th 2024 at 10:17 PM
SEATTLE — A new study commissioned by the national nonprofit organization The Asian American Foundation, in partnership with the Seattle-based Chinese Information and Service Center, found an alarming trend involving Asian Americans and their perception of safety.
The study surveyed 1,000 adults in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties between May 30 and June 10 about their public safety concerns and experiences.
According to the study, nearly two in five Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander residents living in Seattle said they had been a victim of an anti-Asian incident in the past year.
Further findings reported that 30% of respondents said in the past 12 months, they were called names or insulted, 24% were harassed or threatened, and 20% were physically attacked.
“What is striking is the ongoing concerns within our community,” said Georgette Bhathena with the Asian American Foundation.”The Chinatown-International District really is a cultural asset in Seattle and it is wonderful to draw in residents across the region.”
According to the study, people living in the Chinatown-International District were far more likely to report having personally experienced an anti-Asian incident, the study found, with 47% saying they’ve been victimized compared with 33% of those living elsewhere in Seattle.
A majority of respondents, 72%, said fears about being targeted for their race or ethnicity have forced them to change some of their habits and behaviors. Forty percent said they avoid going out late at night, while 28% said they avoid certain neighborhoods. About one in five said they avoid taking public transit.
More than 20% said they avoid speaking their native language in public, according to the study.