Why is Child Abuse, either physical or sexual, covered up by Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi migrants in the UK?

A 2016 report by the Child Protection department of the UK government highlighted the extent of child sexual abuse. They found over 47,000 police records regarding sexual abuse between 2014 and 2015 the highest recorded in the last decade.

Sexual offences varied from sexual assault on male and female children, rape, sexual grooming, exploitation and abuse of a position of trust of a sexual nature.

Another study found that at least 1 in 14 adults in England and Wales have been sexually abused as a child, while 3 out of 4 victims that were interviewed had not told anyone before.

Blogger Natasha Ashfaq says “Child sexual abuse is predominantly hushed in the South Asian community. Many cultural factors like family honour and respect for elders are reasons for this. The sad fact is that many of these cultural imperatives and perceived barriers stop victims from seeking help and long-term effects on their lives.”

Children in South Asian Culture

One  in 14 children are physically abused. But the extent of abuse among children is ‘hidden from view and children may be too young, too scared or too ashamed to tell anyone’. Therefore the true figure is likely to be considerably higher. Many offences actually take place within the confines of the home.

Traditionally in South Asian culture, men and elders have the most authority and respect. Children are raised to revere their elders and not speak against them, no matter what they say or do.

Many British Asians live with their extended families which can put them at further risk of abuse from uncles and grandparents. This tight-knit circle makes it even more problematic for those living in conservative families to speak out against family members.

South Asian culture has ‘normalised’ abuse at home. It is alright for parents to discipline their children by hitting. A child is not allowed to speak out; it is not respectable. These values incite fear into South Asian children. So they keep quiet about sexual abuse too. Thus, abuse is perpetuated.

A young person told the Child Protection Committee: “I can’t tell people about what is happening at home. I’ve a large extended family and if anyone finds out they will tell Dad. I always feel trapped like there is no way for me.”

Fear and shame are the main factors preventing children from speaking out against their elders. While hitting might seem like an ordinary punishment for Asian children, many are aware that sexual abuse is wrong.

Perpetrators can be a family member, friend or often a person of authority, whom the family trust. Respect and authority are tough to challenge. A Brit-Asian male  remembers being uncomfortable during his childhood:

“A religious teacher would pull boy’s ears as a form of punishment and he used to also kiss girls on their cheek and put them on his lap. I was too scared to tell anyone because I thought I would get shouted at.“It’s a cultural issue, it is the way that we were raised… children are in constant fear of their parents.”

Families blame the victim and fear what other people in their community will think of them if they were to find out. Victims are told to keep quiet, and in some cases are even threatened to do so.

The film Monsoon Wedding by Mira Nair cleverly depicts the impact of historical sexual abuse on a female character Ria Verma, by her uncle Tej Puri, in the story.

The barriers to reporting the abuse include the ideas of izzat (honour), haya (modesty) and sharam (shame). These concepts are negatively utilised to defend the abuse and shift the blame.

A British Asian female says: “The families don’t want to be shamed, and if a girl isn’t modest, it will be difficult for her to find a husband. It is easier to keep quiet so that it doesn’t bring shame to the family.”

Another woman tells us: “Women are scared of their husbands, their husbands family and their own family. They won’t be supported by anyone if anything they are blamed.

“I know of a mother whose 8-year-old daughter was bleeding in her genital area, she took her daughter to a doctor. They suspected sexual abuse, the mother was in denial and tried to change doctors.”

Children can be exploited and/or have a sense of loyalty to their perpetrator. In these cases, some do not see themselves as victims of ­abuse. Victims fear not being supported. They dread that the abuse can be heightened.

Some are embarrassed to talk about the sexual aspects. For example, they are afraid to see a doctor as their parents will find out.

Victims express feelings of worthlessness, fear, guilt, anxiety, anger and a loss of energy to the NSPCC. The abuse can also lead to eating disorders and self-harm as a coping mechanism.

Child sexual abuse is an issue that has long-term consequences. It is important that the barriers that stop people from seeking help are overcome, especially in the South Asian community.

[paraphrased from media sources by Intern Debashish]

  Britain, child abuse, children, crime, development, sexual abuse, United Kingdom