Caldern Racial Discrimination Hub

Empowering Australian emergency responders from diverse backgrounds with information on racial discrimination.

Racism can take many forms from the most overt slurs or threats to the more insidious acts usually in the form of microaggressions, tropes or stereotyping. These forms can be verbal, behavioural, environmental, physical or structural and may involve hostile, derogatory or negative slights ( verbally or via imagery or print in what may appear to be complimentary or humourous). In these instances which may be immediately apparent or you later realise were racist, CALDERN recommends the following steps as detailed in the Reporting Racism - All Together Now. Website. 

                       SELF CARE                             

There’s lots of evidence that racism can affect your wellbeing, and so you may want to consider the following soon after a racist incident:

1.If you are ever in immediate physical or emotional danger, try to get to a place where you feel safe. (Understand that your stress may range within a fear, flight, freeze or fawn response)

2. It is possible that you will ruminate (replay the incident over and over again in your head) after the incident. This is normal, however it can also lead to other symptoms if it persists, such as stress or depression. For this reason, it may be good to debrief with others soon after the incident, such as            supportive friends, family and/or a counsellor. [ And report it to your medical practitioner]

3. You may also feel a wide range of emotions e.g. angry, upset, afraid. Again, this is normal and talking to supportive friends, family and/or a counsellor may help you to process the incident.

4.While the incident is fresh in your mind, consider making a note of the details you might need when making a report, such as dates, times, words used, and a description of the perpetrator.

5.Consider whether or not you would like to report the incident. If you decide to report the incident, you can refer to the options provided on this website to determine where you would like  to send your report. [Reporting the incident is important as in most instances there are time limits within which the authorities can take action. At the very least you are welcome to report the matter to CALDERN via the contact number or through dignity@caldern.org below and request support]

6.Were there any witnesses and do you have their contact details? If you are able to contact the witnesses, talk to them about what happened. Ask them if they would be willing to provide a witness statement and whether they recorded any evidence of the incident, like a photo, video, or  audio recording that they would be willing to provide as evidence in a statement.