By Sheila Mckenzie-
Welsh adviser Yasmin Khan, who founded the Halo Project – which provides a support network for abused ethnic minority women and girls – said police discrimination is leaving minority victims of sexual abuse particularly out in the cold.
Khan’s Halo Project has handed evidence of police prejudice against minority victims to the Home Office. The report has been escalated to the investigation stage by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
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The report was sparked by the shocking revelation that tragic Sarah Everard had been murdered by a serving police officer, now remanded in custody under a murder charge.
Khalo aims to show that the Everard’s murder should be a wake up call to the police to treat all sexual complaints seriously, bringing us closer to change.
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Khalo said the police force were particularly. failing minorities who complain of sexual abuses
Abuse In Minority Communities
The report focused on abuse in minority communities and alleged that police forces across England and Wales were failing victims and “denting their confidence in police”.
The report said: “It takes so much courage to make disclosures about abuse so it’s important we get the right response on the first meeting; telling the same story to five different agencies is not acceptable, but this is what happens.”
Cases of sexual abuse among ethnic minorities was also reported to rarely achieve justice because police forces across England and Wales, where representation is lagging, lack cultural understanding and have “a fear of offending communities”.
“We found police officers look at race and culture before safeguarding and protecting. They consult with independent advisory groups that include community members known to victims, and place emphasis on community impact instead of police investigations.
“Sex is already a taboo amongst certain Black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) communities, so the shame and dishonour leading to reprisals and revenge is not considered. The pressure on victims is immense.”
Trauma Informed Police Investigations
Khan added that police need to be trained in “trauma-informed police investigations” and communication with rape victims from ethnic minority backgrounds.
“Asking suspects to come in for voluntary interviews does not mean you are investigating sexual assault. This removes the power of restrictive bail conditions and gives offenders time to collude with others and destroy evidence,” she said.
Everard’s murder must lead to “a watershed moment that improves the justice system”, she said, adding that while she welcomed amendments earlier this month to the law on domestic violence, they were “disappointing” for failing to include migrant women.
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