By Emb Hashmi
As an increasing number of south Asian men mainly from the Pakistani community are being sentenced to horrific paedophiliac and sexually related crimes against mainly under aged white girls, MWNUK (Muslims Woman Network UK) have undertaken extensive research which concludes that it is not just under aged white girls affected by this type of exploitation but there are also Asian victims who are being neglected from this increasing crime. The MWNUK also thought it was about time that someone had spoken up about sexual exploitation not just being carried out by Pakistani men as the media was mainly focusing on one community.
This report highlights that not just white girls are at risk but also Pakistani girls, it also shows the myth that Pakistani men only target white girls. The ground breaking report highlights that Pakistani girls are more at risk and face more problems when trying to report or get out of the so called relationship they face for example blackmail, there family who report this crime are threatened, the crime evolves when siblings are groomed, girls get pregnant, and so on.
Rabina Iqbal a board member and former chair of MWNUK said “We launched report in parliament with Saida Warsi, Nazir Afzal, Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra, Saqib Khan and others,” it was important for the woman’s network to illustrate the real problems to law makers and decision makers in government.
The research published by Muslim Women’s Network UK (MWNUK) reveals that Asian girls are being sexually exploited and authorities are failing to identify or support them. They are most vulnerable to offenders from their own communities who manipulate cultural norms to prevent them from reporting their abuse. This has lessons for all communities – sexual predators tend to target those closest to them.
The report, ‘Unheard Voices: The Sexual Exploitation of Asian Girls and Young Women,’ is based on 35 case studies from across England submitted in a call for evidence. The majority are Muslim with almost two thirds of British Pakistani heritage. Key findings from the research include:
• Asian victims of sexual exploitation are being overlooked by front line agencies and little if anything is being done to identify them so they can be helped
• The majority of victims reported to the researchers were between 13 and 14 years old -the oldest was in her 30s with a learning disability
• At least a third of the victims had suffered sexual abuse when they were younger
• Blackmail connected with shame and dishonour is often used to control victims
• The offenders were most often from the same ethnic background as the victim and in two thirds of the cases, perpetrators were of Pakistani heritage
• The perpetrators were of Afghani, Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, White and Mixed backgrounds
• 86% of the cases involved men operating in groups, with some involving online grooming
• Some victims were unaware of the extent or the different ways in which they were violated or by how many men due to drugs and alcohol
• Attitudes amongst Asian and Muslim communities are mainly dismissive or disbelieving in relation to child sexual exploitation.
Some of the Key Recommendations
Although the research focuses on Asian Muslim victims, it provides lessons for all. MNWUK makes the following key recommendations:
• The Government and local agencies must produce plans to ensure the better identification of and intervention and support for all Black and ethnic minority children and young people suffering from sexual exploitation
• Specialist, culturally sensitive helplines should be set up for Black and ethnic minority children to report abuse
• Communities must prioritise the safeguarding of vulnerable girls over the protection of honour.
Shaista Gohir, Chair of MWNUK, lead researcher and author of the report, said:
“This report challenges the stereotype that child sexual exploitation is a racial crime in which Asian offenders target White girls only. The findings indicate that Asian girls are even more vulnerable than White girls to exploitation by Asian predators – they are considered a ‘less risky’ option because they are less likely to report abuse due to shame and dishonour.”
Children and young people who are affected by abuse or exploitation can call Childline for advice and support 24 hours a day on Tel: 0800 1111.
Adults who need support or information, or are concerned about a child or young person should call the NSPCC helpline on Tel: 0808 800 5000.
For support following sexual violence or assault visit www.rapecrisis.org.uk or Tel: 0808 802 9999 (12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm).
MWNUK can also be contacted on 0121 236 9000 / 07415 206936. In an emergency dial 999.
