Child Abuse in Mosques: Lifting the Veil of Secrecy

Investigation

A new charity is aiming to confront the 'hush-up' culture on abuse among black and ethnic minorities.

A Shocking Discovery

Ali Khan, a 47-year-old property tycoon, discovered the disturbing reality of child abuse within his local mosque in Glasgow. He was part of a meeting discussing a paedophile assault on a young girl carried out by a Koranic teacher. To Khan's horror, the suggestion was made that the alleged abuser should be allowed to remain in the mosque. The incident was never reported to the police, leading Khan to establish Roshni, a new charity dedicated to addressing child abuse within black and ethnic minority communities.

No More Secrets

Roshni, meaning "light" in Urdu, has as its motto the phrase "No More Secrets." The charity aims to raise awareness among black and ethnic minority communities about child abuse and encourage reporting of offences against children to authorities.

A Culture of Silence

Khan highlights that many ethnic communities fail to report child abuse due to a belief that institutions like the police, health services, and social work are predominantly for white communities. Additionally, shame and fear often prevent victims and their families from coming forward. Roshni seeks to combat this cultural mindset and provide support for abuse survivors and their communities.

A Call for Change

Roshni's first major campaign is calling for mosques, madrasahs, and ethnic youth groups to ensure that all their staff are cleared by Disclosure Scotland against the sex offenders register. Failure to disclose staff members is a breach of the Protection of Children Act. Roshni aims to visit every mosque and temple in Scotland to raise awareness and provide education on child protection standards.

Challenging Attitudes

Roshni will also work towards changing cultural attitudes that make dealing with abuse difficult for ethnic minority families. The charity acknowledges the issue of shame and honor within these communities and seeks to empower both children and adults to speak out against abuse without fear of stigma.

A Critical Partnership

Roshni's Disclosure Initiative is just the first step in ensuring the protection of Scotland's children. Khan emphasizes the importance of a critical partnership with faith leaders and views this initiative as a turning point in child protection within Scotland's faith communities.

A United Approach

Leaders of all ethnic faiths will be contacted, and Roshni plans to work closely with Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu organizations initially. The charity recognizes the sizeable task ahead and aims to reach out to every place of worship and teaching institution to ensure adherence to child protection standards.

Child Protection in the Hospitality Industry

An Issue That Extends Beyond Religious Institutions

The issue of child abuse is not exclusive to religious institutions. Various industries and establishments, including hotels, may also be venues for abuse. It is essential for these establishments to prioritize child protection and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of their guests, including children.

The Role of Hotels in Safeguarding Children

Hotels have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for all guests, including children. Ensuring proper staff training regarding child protection, implementing stringent security measures, and adhering to local regulations are essential steps that hotels should take to prevent and respond to child abuse cases.

Partnering with Local Authorities and Charities

Hotels can also collaborate with local authorities and charities focused on child protection to receive guidance, training, and support in implementing child safeguarding policies and practices. This partnership can help hotels create an environment where children can feel safe and protected during their stay.

Educating Staff and Raising Awareness

Hotels should prioritize child protection training for their staff, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to identify signs of abuse and report any concerning behavior. Raising awareness among hotel guests about child protection measures and reporting procedures can also contribute to creating a safer environment.

An Industry-Wide Effort

The issue of child abuse should be addressed collectively by the hospitality industry. Collaborative efforts, such as industry-wide training initiatives and information sharing, can help create a stronger network of support and protection for children staying in hotels.