Crime Prevention Programs for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities in Australia

• NCJ Number: 235041
• Author(s): Dr. Lorana Bartels
• Date Published: June 2011
• Length: 14 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Criminology Research Council
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: Research in Practice Report, No. 18, June 2011

Annotation

Based primarily on research conducted in Australia from 2006 to the present (2011), this paper reviews key criminal justice issues related to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations in Australia, identifies risk and protective factors for these populations' contact with the criminal justice system, and describes some CALD-specific crime prevention programs.

Abstract

As of June 30, 2010, 20 percent of Australian inmates (sentenced and unsentenced) were born overseas. On the other hand, the available research suggests that CALD communities may be less likely than the general population to experience criminal victimization, based on police statistics; however, police statistics fail to capture victimizations not reported to police. CALD populations' victimizations are likely to go unreported to police, however, because their past experiences with police in their native countries as well as Australia may have made them fearful of police contacts. Regarding protective factors against contact with the criminal justice system among CALD communities, they include religious faith, freedom from discrimination, and feeling safe and supported in the family and community. Key risk factors for having contact with the criminal justice system are limited proficiency in the English language, acculturative stress, racism and discrimination, disrupted education, and cultural and social isolation. Examples of good practice in countering criminal justice contacts among CALD populations are drawn primarily from the 2006-2010 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards, along with case studies from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's "Taking the Initiative: Police Working With Australia's Diverse Communities." Most of the examples cited have not been subjected to independent evaluation. The program examples include legal education; increased friendly and service-oriented contacts with police; provision of sporting, leisure, and social activities for youth; practical assistance for at-risk or vulnerable people; arts programs; and leadership and training courses. 2 tables and 50 references