But new research suggests that threats and intimidation are more of a problem in small market towns and suburban areas.Many cases, the University of Exeter report found, are not reported.
The new study ‘Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Hate Crime: UK Case Studies,’ reveals unprovoked incidents are largely a hidden experience that is insufficiently acknowledged and understood outside of the communities where they occur.
Dr Jonathan Githens Mazer, co-director of the European Muslim Research Centre (EMRC), which produced the report, said Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate crime are very real problems for British Muslims going about their everyday business.
Through our research we have found that in smaller and more isolated mosques in many suburbs and market towns there is a feeling of being under siege.
“Some local councils who are made aware of the situation say to mosque officials: ‘We can see this is bad, why don’t you move the mosque?’”
The report is part of a ten-year academic research project led by the University of Exeter’s European Muslim Research Centre (EMRC). It captures a snapshot of experiences which are often unrecognised by the media, politicians and wider British society.
The research also combines an academic approach to identifying world events and policy information that inform the way reactions and actions towards Muslims can be influenced.
Case studies examined by academics from the University of Exeter reveal examples such as a Muslim woman who was punched and called a “terrorist” in front of her petrified daughter are not uncommon.
Such attacks often go unreported, and in this case the woman was too scared to inform the police. She also played down the incident to reduce her child’s distress, and avoided explaining why she was singled out for wearing a burka and being a Muslim.
Findings show that, since the 9/11 attacks, arson, criminal damage, violence and intimidation against mosques has increased dramatically and smaller or isolated Muslim communities have become especially vulnerable.
The report also analyses the local activity by the British National Party, English Defence League and sister organisations. Anti-migrant and random attacks that have impacted on every poor urban community where most Muslims live have also been studied.
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