Preventing discrimination and promoting acceptance of diversity
What is discrimination?
Discrimination is the process by which a member, or members, of a socially defined group is, or are, treated differently (especially unfairly) because of his or her/their membership of that group. Interpersonal discrimination refers to perceived discriminatory actions between individuals. Institutional discrimination occurs when policies and procedures or laws disadvantage a specific group.
The most common forms of discrimination are based upon race and ethnicity, gender, sexual preference, disability, age and social class. Religion has re-emerged as a basis for discrimination. People can often experience multiple forms of discrimination. VicHealth is focussing on reducing discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity and religion.
What is the link between discrimination and health?
There is a link between exposure to ethnic and race-based discrimination and anxiety and depression. Discrimination is also likely to increase the risk of developing a range of other mental health and behavioural problems. There is emerging evidence of a link between discrimination and poor physical health, such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.
Freedom from discrimination also means having the choice to maintain one’s ethnic and racial identity and linkages with one’s ethnic community. Ethnic identity and ethnic community support are important for mental health and wellbeing.
VicHealth has developed a summary of the latest research on the occurrence and health consequences of ethnic and race based discrimination.
Websites and resources
Go to websites and resources page
Projects and program activity
Valuing diversity to prevent discrimination
Responding to discrimination through Indigenous leadership
Research and evaluation