A WOMEN’S rights leader is calling for all abuse against Muslim women to be reported and prosecuted after incidents in Fawkner and Campbellfield.
Offenders ripped off headscarfs and hurled verbal abuse in the two suburbs, with several Muslim women saying they had been targeted at Campbellfield Plaza and in Fawkner shopping hub Bonwick St.
Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights chairwoman Tasneem Chopra said such abuse had become all too common.
“Abuse of these Australians is illegal, abuse of women is illegal,” Ms Chopra said.
“I would tell women to exercise caution and not to go shopping alone until this settles down.
“Report any acts of vilification — if it’s reported, police will see it through.”
Fawkner resident Fatima Khan, who wears an Indonesian-style abaya, said strangers had abused her friends at the Kmart store in Campbellfield and she had been accused of being a thief by a fellow shopper in Fawkner.
Other residents alleged headscarfs had been ripped off at Campbellfield.
“They are really scared about going out, even if they need something from the shop,” Mrs Khan said.
Ms Chopra said any abuse against women should be reported to police, who she called on to increase patrols so women felt safer walking in public.
Moreland Inspector Dean McGowan said police had increased patrols of locations known to be hot spots for vilification and violence.
“Police take all incidents of racism, discrimination or vilification based on religion, culture or nationality, seriously,” Insp McGowan said.
“We will investigate all reports and those offending will be met with the full force of the law.
“Every Victorian has the right to feel safe and secure in the community, in practising their faith, pursuing their values, beliefs and interests.
“We will investigate all reports and those offending will be met with the full force of the law,” — Inspector Dean McGowan, Moreland police
“We ask anyone who witnesses, or is subject to, racism, discrimination or victimisation on the basis of religion, culture or nationality, to inform their local police immediately.”
To report abuse phone Fawkner police on 9355 6000. Support is available for victims through the Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights on 9481 3000.
Group welcomes women
A FAWKNER group is opening its arms to the Muslim community to counter negativity.
Fawkner Community House will hold a morning tea this Wednesday for all women, but particularly Muslim women, some of whom feel frightened to venture into public alone.
Community house member Fatima Khan said she wanted Muslim women to keep joining in the community and feel safe in their neighbourhoods.
“Fawkner is a community where we are very close to each other. We want to give them the feeling not to be scared, but they are safe in Fawkner,” Mrs Khan said.
Fawkner Community House co-ordinator Meredith Lawrence said all women should have the freedom to explore their religion, including wearing whatever they want, without feeling unsafe.
“Regardless of whether we are in miniskirts or the hijab, we have the right to be safe on the street,” Ms Lawrence said.
The community house is hosting local politicians and councillors for a morning tea at 10.30am on Wednesday, October 15, to chat with women about their fears and to help them feel safe. The house will provide transport for any woman who cannot get there by herself.
Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/fawkner-campbellfield-muslim-abuse-prompts-womens-rights-leader-to-call-for-prosecutions/story-fnglenug-1227086738021?nk=4b6f07379b0bdb0ad82935dbb33fe42b
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