ACA Responds to Violence, Harassment and Bullying Against Asian American Community

The recent mass shooting of eight people in Atlanta, six of whom were Asian American women, has underscored a disturbing surge in racist-driven violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, discriminatory and unfounded assertions for its cause have been unfairly leveled against Asian Americans and fueled by problematic terminology used by some of our nation’s top leaders.

According to research released by reporting forum Stop AAPI Hate on Tuesday, “nearly 3,800 incidents were reported over the course of roughly a year during the pandemic.” Women made up a far higher share of the reports, at 68%, compared with men, who made up 29% of respondents.

The American Counseling Association (ACA) recognizes the horror of these events and the resulting trauma. We call on public policy officials and communities to speak up against this violence and provide resources for those most vulnerable. As defined by federal law, this latest example of white domestic terrorism should galvanize us all to unequivocally condemn the long-standing bullying and victimization of the AAPI community.

“The American Counseling Association has a long history of speaking out against discrimination. Our advocacy for the profession and those served by our members must remain vigilant, especially in the face of murders such as these. Any type of hate, including that which is race-based, cannot be tolerated. Our association and its members are saddened by this latest episode, and we will continue to work in partnership with those who envision a just, safe and caring world,” said Richard Yep, ACA Chief Executive Officer.

All ACA members must be willing to challenge these systems, but also confront one’s own biases, stereotypes, and racial worldview. Moving forward, our actions will be based on input from our members and the voices of others. We are committed to change.

RESOURCES FOR COUNSELORS AND THE PUBLIC

• Crisis hotline in Asian languages: 1-877-990-8585
• How do counselors support clients during the coronavirus pandemic? (It is crucial to understand the social ramifications perpetuated by this outbreak so that we can promote optimal care for the clients we serve.)
• The psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on Asian Americans: Counselor interventions and considerations (Knowing the multicultural considerations of the Asian American population — and prioritizing culturally sensitive treatment approaches — has become an essential service now and for the foreseeable future.)

Journal Articles

Journal of Counseling & Development (JCD)

• Self-Stigma, Mental Health Literacy, and Attitudes Toward Seeking Psychological Help
• When Being “Essential” Illuminates Disparities: Counseling Clients Affected by COVID-19
• Colonial Mentality and Mental Health Help-Seeking of Filipino Americans

Note. Full-text content from JCD is free to ACA members by logging into the ACA website, and available on a pay-per-view basis to nonmembers.

Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development (JMCD)

Note. Full-text content from JMCD is free to AMCD members by logging into the ACA website, and available on a pay-per-view basis to nonmembers.