A new report reveals a 2.5-fold rise in Islamophobic incidents across Australia, with muslim women and girls the primary targets of attacks
Islamophobic incidents in Australia have more than doubled, with physical attacks, verbal abuse, and threats of violence becoming disturbingly common, according to a new report.
The Islamophobia in Australia report, compiled by Deakin and Monash universities, recorded 309 in-person incidents between January 2023 and December 2024, a 2.5-fold increase from previous years. Online incidents tripled to 366, highlighting an alarming trend.
Women and girls bore the brunt of these attacks, making up 75% of victims and facing a 33% higher risk of physical violence compared to men. Incidents included rape threats, beatings, and public harassment.
One woman was knocked unconscious at a shopping centre in front of her five children. Another was threatened with rape and assault while walking near a train station. Mosques were also desecrated, with one attacker smearing faeces inside a place of worship.
The surge in anti-Muslim hate followed the Hamas attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023, with a 1,300% increase in reports during the first three weeks of the Gaza war.
Experts warn of widespread trauma among victims, particularly Muslim women, who quit jobs, avoid public spaces, and suffer severe anxiety.
The report also underscores a parallel rise in antisemitic incidents, with 2,062 cases of violence, vandalism, and hate speech against Jewish Australians in 2024.
Researchers fear under-reporting means the real numbers are even higher, urging authorities to take stronger action against hate crimes in the country.
