On October 21, 2005 The Muslim News reported, "Women wearing headscarfs have been spat on, sworn at and assaulted while hate graffiti such as 'Kill Muslims' and 'Muslims Out' has appeared in Melbourne's northern suburbs. In the past two weeks, two Muslim women have been attacked in daylight. In one, a milkshake was hurled at a Muslim woman as she waited at a Sydney Rd tram stop with her three children. In the other a man swerved at a Muslim woman and shouted: 'F--- off terrorist' while she was crossing the road carrying her baby. There are also reports of Muslim girls being spat at and abused by drivers. The Islamic Council of Victoria is alarmed at the rise of religious abuse. Coburg resident Omar Merhi was stunned when he saw the car swerve at the woman with her baby. Mr Merhi said Muslim victims often had poor English and felt powerless to take action. Sgt Mick Ehmer, from Brunswick police, encouraged victims to come forward to help stamp out the bigoted behaviour."

This article cross-posted at the Pluralism Project's International Religious Diversity News. Read more there about Hate Crimes and Violence.