WALSALL, England — A recent series of religiously motivated attacks has prompted fear among Sikh women in the Midlands, leading many to alter their daily routines significantly for safety. Both incidents involved the reported rapes of two women in their 20s, occurring in Walsall and Oldbury. A 32-year-old man has been charged in connection with one of these cases, raising alarm across the community.
The violent attacks, alongside a separate assault on two elderly Sikh taxi drivers in Wolverhampton, spurred a parliamentary meeting at the end of October to address hate crimes directed at Sikhs in the region. Sukhvinder Kaur, chair of Sikh Women’s Aid, highlighted a concerning trend as women are now changing their habits to avoid possible harm. “This is the first time I’ve seen this level of fear. Women have expressed that they refrain from activities they once enjoyed due to safety concerns,” she noted.
Many women are opting for group outings and have started sharing their whereabouts with friends or family members. “Docking off for a walk or a gym session feels risky,” Kaur added. “An incident in Walsall sends shockwaves even to those in Coventry. The way women view their safety has shifted drastically.”
Recently, it was reported that a woman in her 50s fell victim to a racially aggravated assault involving an electric stun device in Wolverhampton. Although Labour MP Preet Kaur Gill confirmed that the victim belonged to the Sikh community, West Midlands police have not officially verified that detail.
In response to rising alarm, Sikh places of worship throughout the Midlands have initiated the distribution of personal safety alarms. At the Nanaksar gurdwara in Walsall, community members, including Kam Kaur, expressed how the unsettling incidents have disrupted their sense of security. Kaur stated that she no longer feels at ease attending the gurdwara alone and has advised her elderly mother to exercise caution when answering the door. “We feel like we are all targets,” she said.
Another attendee, Inderjeet Kaur, described increasing precautions while commuting. “I park closer to the bus station, and I keep my headphones in but at a low volume, enabling me to remain aware of my surroundings,” she explained. Surinder Kaur, 57, a mother of three daughters, voiced her anxiety by saying the family now feels unsafe during their usual walks. “We didn’t have to think about these precautions before. Now, I find myself looking over my shoulder constantly.”
Many in the community, like Surinder Bajwa, 55, see a troubling resemblance to the overt racism faced by previous generations. “It’s reminiscent of the 1980s when our community encountered hostility,” Bajwa remarked, noting an unsettling cycle of fear. Labour councillor Simran Cheema voiced similar thoughts, stating that the current atmosphere feels like a regression to more hostile times, describing how many avoid displaying religious symbols for fear of backlash.
Cheema mentioned that the Walsall council has increased CCTV coverage around gurdwaras as a measure to reassure community members. West Midlands police have committed to engaging with local leaders, women’s groups, and faith organizations to discuss strategies for enhancing safety.
Ch Supt Phil Dolby acknowledged the challenges faced by the community, stating, “No one should live with fear in their own neighborhood.” Local councils, including Sandwell, are working closely with law enforcement to combat violence against women and hate crimes, emphasizing their commitment to community safety and support.