Evidence of migrants' experience of crime in Australia is difficult to collect and to analyse, particularly where specific ethnic groups account for a small proportion of the total population (ABS 2008a). Also, migrants are not a homogenous group, hence general observations about Australia's migrant population may mask differences between specific ethnic groups.
People born overseas have lower victimisation rates for assault than people born in Australia. In 2008-09, the victimisation rate for people born overseas was 1.7% for physical assault and 2.9% for threatened assault. For people born in Australia, the victimisation rate was 3.6% for physical assault and 4.8% for threatened assault.
Victims of assault - whether born overseas - 2008-09
Footnote(s): (a) Includes both face-to-face and non face-to-face incidents.
Source(s): ABS Crime Victimisation, Australia, 2008-09 (cat. no. 4530.0)