In the past year, Muslim women in the Edmonton area have reported at least seven hateful, unprovoked attacks in which they were screamed at, shoved, or pushed to the ground.
In the forum, participants said the lack of consequences for the perpetrators of these attacks sends a message this behaviour is acceptable.
Mulki Ali, a social worker and Somali immigrant who has worked with newcomers in Edmonton for more than 20 years, said the events are traumatizing.
She now feels uncomfortable walking alone, worried that someone will creep up from behind or beside her.
Some of her clients say they do not feel safe reporting hateful incidents to the police.