I will recount the series of events that led me to find myself on a national referral mechanism (NRM). As a dedicated photojournalist and documentary photography student at university, my life was filled with passion, creativity. I have a deep commitment to my faith as a practicing Muslim. I do not drink, smoke or take drugs. My journey took an unforeseen turn when I became a victim of Islamophobia and subsequently faced various forms of abuse, drugging and exploitation. Despite these challenges, I remain resilient and determined to seek justice, while also shedding light on the issues faced by Muslim women.
Prior to the unfortunate events that unfolded, my life was filled with happiness, contentment, and a strong connection to my faith. I become practicing fully ten years ago and found solace in its teachings, practicing my religious obligations fervently. I dedicated myself to prayer, sought knowledge about Islam, and eagerly planned to perform Umrah, a spiritual journey of great significance. Furthermore, I longed to find a suitable partner to complete my faith and fulfill my desire for companionship and love.
Unfortunately, the rise of Islamophobia in society had a profound impact on my life. I became a target of hateful individuals who harboured prejudiced views towards Islam. This resulted in my victimisation, as I was subjected to various forms of discrimination and mistreatment including daily Islamophobia and bullied for speaking a few languages. So much so I had an exhibition in Parliament. My abusers even drugged me with gender changing medications without my knowledge and consent. As a born biological woman that is a practicing Muslim I found the abuse to be a violation of my human right. The ordeal began with my private space being violated through the illegal installation of cameras in my home and in hotels a despicable act of voyeurism. This invasion of privacy was not only a violation of my rights but also a terrifying breach of my sense of security.
Regrettably, the violation of my privacy was just the beginning. I was harassed by men in the street and many would grab or grope me it was truly awful. These men were mostly African. I reported all the incidents to the police. I was drugged repeatedly and kept fainting and passing out I was as sexually assaulted whilst sleeping in the comfort of my home and in hotels and objectified. These traumatic experiences forced me to constantly move from one hotel and accommodation to another, seeking refuge from my abusers. Despite reporting the abuse to the police and numerous organisations, my pleas for help have not been adequately addressed. The constant abuse and lack of protection have left me feeling desperate and helpless.
In my pursuit of justice, I have reached out to various entities, including the press, Members of Parliament (MP), women’s organisations, and the police. As a practicing Muslim woman, the violation and abuse I have endured contradict the principles of justice and equality that are at the core of my faith. It is disheartening to witness the gaps in the system that should protect individuals from such heinous acts. My goal in sharing my story is to shed light on the urgent need for better support systems and proactive measures to address the issues faced by Muslim women in similar circumstances.
My journey from a joyful, devout Muslim woman to a survivor of abuse and exploitation has been arduous and painful. However, I refuse to let the darkness define my future. Through resilience, determination, and raising awareness about the issues faced by Muslim women, I hope to bring about positive change. It is crucial for society to recognise the importance of protecting and empowering individuals who have been victimised by Islamophobia and abuse. By coming together, we can create a safer and more inclusive environment for all, where no one’s faith or identity is a cause for discrimination or harm.
Parveen Ali 
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