American woman who moved to Russia to escape racism assaulted in front of her child
Francine Villa believed Moscow would offer the safety and freedom she lacked in Miami.
Originally born in Russia to American parents, she returned to her birthplace in 2019 determined to escape the poor treatment she faced in the United States.
Initially, things seemed promising.
In an interview with Russian state-run RT shortly after her move, Ms Villa said she felt 'free' in Russia.
'I feel free living in Russia because in Russia, no matter what time it is, I can walk outside and I'm safe,' she said at the time.
But earlier this month, that sense of safety shattered. She shared a disturbing video on social media with her face bloodied from an attack by bigoted neighbours in Moscow.
'Today they attacked me with their fists,' she said. 'I was with my child. Right in the face.'
Villa also revealed in an Instagram video that her neighbours changed the locks on her apartment and cut off her electricity, leaving her isolated and afraid.
Her experience echoes the grim realities outlined in a 2021 Amnesty International report, which stated that 'violent racism' in Russia was 'out of control,' with attacks and even killings reported regularly.
The report warned that 'anyone who does not look typically Russian' could become a target.
'Even ethnic Russians who are seen as sympathising with foreigners or ethnic minority groups, for example, fans of rap or reggae music, members of other youth subcultures, and campaigners against racism, have also been targeted as they are perceived as 'unpatriotic' or 'traitors',' it said.
Russia has been actively encouraging Westerners to relocate under President Vladimir Putin's 'shared values' visa scheme. Introduced in 2024, the initiative requires applicants to align with 'traditional Russian spiritual and moral values.'
By May, the Kremlin revealed that 1,156 people had applied for the visa, including 33 Australians.
Most applications came from Germany (224), Latvia (126), the US (99), and France (95), with Australia ranked 11th on the list.
While Russian state media frequently showcases positive narratives of Westerners embracing life in Russia, Ms Villa's ordeal paints a dramatically different picture.
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