A disturbing surge in violent, racially motivated attacks against women in the West Midlands is creating a climate of fear, forcing many to alter their daily lives and reviving anxieties not felt for decades.
A Climate of Fear and Changing Habits
Charity leaders report that women from minority backgrounds are now looking over their shoulders during routine activities they once took for granted. Simple acts like going to the gym, walking children to school, or using public transport have become sources of anxiety.
Sukhvinder Kaur of Wolverhampton-based Sikh Women’s Aid stated that a recent spate of racially aggravated crimes has left Asian women feeling a level of fear reminiscent of the 1970s and 80s. The demand for support is palpable; a recent women's-only meeting hosted by the charity was fully booked, with 70 attendees and over 6,800 viewers on live streams.
Mrs Kaur explained that around 800 women have requested a safety guide, leading the charity to publish one on its website. She noted, "Women are using personal safety apps and carrying panic alarms because it makes them feel less vulnerable." This has created a double jeopardy where women are reluctant to sacrifice their hard-won freedoms yet are constantly worried about their safety.
Echoes from the Community: No Place Feels Safe
The sentiment is echoed by other support groups. Shaila Pervez from Roshni, a charity aiding Black and Minoritised communities, shared a harrowing account of a Muslim woman in Walsall town centre who was racially abused after bravely intervening to help another Muslim lady. Tragically, no one stepped in to assist her.
Mrs Pervez confirmed that women are now meticulously planning their journeys, taking companions, checking routes, and confirming safe arrivals with friends. "Women are saying they are not safe even in crowds because they do not feel that someone would jump in to help them if something happened," she said.
Taking Action: Documenting Hate and Offering Safe Havens
In response to this crisis, Kaur Lab CIC, supported by the Birmingham Race Impact Group, has launched a confidential survey to collect anonymous experiences of racism and hate since the summer of 2024. The aim is to gather data to push for better safety measures and support systems.
Meanwhile, local businesses are stepping up. The Panjabi Rasoi / Great Barr Cafe on Newton Road in Great Barr is now acting as a community safe point, offering panic alarms and safety guides to any woman or girl who asks for them.
This collective response highlights a community determined to fight back against a rising tide of hate, even as its most vulnerable members navigate a new, frightening reality.
