For immediate release:
A coalition of organisations from the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector are raising urgent concerns about the growing wave of hate incidents and racially aggravated violence targeting Black, minoritised and migrant women across the UK.
This follows the recent rape in Park Hall, which has caused significant fear and distress among local women and girls and has had a profound impact on both service users and frontline staff. Some women are now fearful of leaving their homes, and several services have temporarily reduced face-to-face outreach to prioritise safety and wellbeing.
In response, Roshni, a leading organisation within the Black and minoritised VAWG sector, is coordinating a collective response with partner organisations across the region. Together, they have written to key regional and national leaders including Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding; Simon Foster, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner; Chief Constable Craig Guildford; and Mayor Richard Parker requesting an urgent multi-agency meeting.
The aim of this meeting is to agree on immediate and longer-term actions to:
- Strengthen safety measures for women and girls in local communities;
- Improve coordination between statutory agencies and community-based organisations; and
- Ensure hate-based and gendered violence are addressed through a fair, consistent, and community-informed approach.
A spokesperson for the Black and Minoritised VAWG sector said: “We are deeply concerned about the rise in hate incidents and the fear this has created among Black and minoritised women. Every woman deserves to feel safe in her community. We are calling for a united, proactive response to ensure that safety, protection, and justice are accessible to all.”
The coalition, led by Roshni in partnership with the wider VAWG network, urges statutory agencies, local authorities, and government leaders to prioritise the safety of women and girls and to work collaboratively with community-led organisations that are providing vital frontline support.
ENDS
Contact info for The Haven Wolverhampton: media@havenrefuge.org.uk
