Women’s Aid issues further comment on the escalation of Islamophobic and race riots

“Following a week of attacks on Muslims and Black and minoritised people, Women’s Aid remains deeply concerned by the violence and the impact this is having on victims and survivors of domestic abuse and the specialist services that support Black and minoritised survivors. 

Our sector, and the women’s liberation movement, was founded with activism and protest and this lies at the heart of our history. For the media to continue to report the violence and hatred of these far-right groups as ‘protests’ and ‘protestors’ is incorrect and offensive. We urge for the government and police to call out the terrorism, Islamophobia and racism we are witnessing in our communities and on our streets. Critically we need to question why the narrative has shifted away from the murders of three young girls and violence against women and girls. We remind the government of the importance of this lens on these issues and the urgent need for action. 

We know that survivors of domestic abuse have particularly been targeted, for example the Holiday Inn in Tamworth which was set on fire as it houses asylum seekers, many of whom are women who are also escaping domestic abuse. There were similar hotel attacks in Rotherham. This will have been terrorising for hotel staff, but even more so for vulnerable residents including women survivors of male violence. These survivors will have come here for safety and instead have been met with completely intolerable racism. 

The government, and our communities and society, must stand strong against this violence and far-right group. No one should be treated or made to feel like this – not anyone from any faith, ethnicity, sexuality or sex – but least of all survivors of domestic abuse. We must remember we are stronger together – united. ”