Islamophobia

If you’ve been abused or harassed because you identify as Muslim, or because people think you are Muslim, you could be a victim of Islamophobia. We look at how we can tackle this rising issue.

The number of anti-Muslim attacks in the UK have increased dramatically.

What is Islamophobia?

Islamophobia, or anti-Muslim prejudice, is an unjustified fear and hostility towards Muslim people. It’s a hate crime that can happen both online and offline and can take the form of:

• Stalking
• Harassment
• Bullying
• Intimidating behaviour

Other forms include dehumanising, stereotyping and promoting hate towards Muslim people.

Like other hate crimes, it’s important to remember that Islamophobia is purely down to the attacker’s perception of the victim. So due to the nature of this prejudice, non-Muslims can also be on the receiving end of verbal and physical abuse.

How could it affect me?

After numerous terrorist attacks across the world the number of anti-Muslim attacks in the UK have increased dramatically. Unfortunately, women wearing traditional dress, such as the hijab, are more likely to experience Islamophobia.

According to Jeff Arnold, partnerships officer at Tell MAMA, an organisation that tackles anti-Muslim hatred, a lot of people who’ve reported incidents are women. Jeff says women are targeted because offenders see them as “weaker and easier to intimidate”.

But it’s not just women who are vulnerable. The focus on anti-terrorism efforts has also put Muslim communities on edge, which has led to accusations of unfair treatment.

“Young Muslim people feel like they’re under suspicion, particularly those who’re religious. There’s a fear that they’ll be suspected as being potential extremists,” says Jeff.

What should I do if I’ve been a victim of Islamophobia?

Call the police: Report the incident as a hate crime on 999 – or 101 if you think it’s less serious, i.e. you didn’t get a proper look at the offender.

Report it anonymously: If you’re too scared to go to the police you can report it anonymously via organisations such as Tell MAMA or Stop Hate UK.

Speak to someone you trust: You shouldn’t have to go through this alone. Talk to trusted friends and family members who can offer support. If you’re at school or university, tell a teacher or staff member about what’s happened.

Get further support: If you’d rather talk to someone you don’t know the Muslim Youth Helpline provides free and confidential support for young people. Call 0808 808 2008, or contact them via email or live web chat. Also, You and Co, Victim Support’s youth programme, has developed a resource pack for young people experiencing islamophobia.

What can I do to help my Muslim friends?

It’s upsetting seeing your friend being attacked or harassed because of their culture or faith, but there are many ways you can help.

• If your friend is being verbally abused, and if you think it’s safe to do so, intervene and stand up for them. Try and get other people involved to highlight how ridiculous the offender’s views are.
• Comfort your friend and support them after they’ve been attacked or verbally abused. If they’re too scared to report the incident to the police you could do it for them.
• Speak out against Islamophobia. Your opinion matters to your friend so make sure they’re aware of it.

Islamophobia and racism can affect anybody and, as Jeff explains, tackling anti-Muslim prejudice is a challenge for everyone. “You don’t have to be Muslim to know that it’s wrong for a woman to have her hijab ripped off and be spat at,” says Jeff.