MP voices her concerns about reports of racially aggravated rape in Walsall
A Black Country MP has spoken of her concerns following reports of a second racially aggravated rape in two months.
Sonia Kumar, MP for Dudley, said she was appalled that another such incident had been reported, this time in Walsall.
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A 32-year-old was arrested on suspicion of rape just before 7am yesterday in the Perry Barr area of Birmingham following the attack on a woman in her 20s in the Park Hall area of Walsall on Saturday..
It comes just weeks after a racially motivated rape was reported in Oldbury last month.
Miss Kumar said her thoughts were with the victim and her family at this devastating time.
"Violence against women and girls remains a serious and persistent threat in our community, and we must never allow complacency to take root," she said.
"The Black Country is and must remain a safe and inclusive place. There is absolutely no place for hate or violence in our society. I welcome the swift action by the police and urge anyone with information to come forward.”
Miss Kumar also referred to the alleged rape of a young Sikh woman in the West Midlands in September, which is being investigated as a hate crime, describing it as 'another shocking reminder of the dangers faced by women and girls and the urgent need to tackle both misogyny and hate-motivated violence.'
She encouraged anyone with information about the latest incident to contact West Midlands Police via 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Miss Kumar reaffirmed her commitment to working with local authorities, community leaders and charities to ensure that women and girls across the Black Country feel safe and supported.
“Every woman and girl has the right to live free from fear. We must stand together — across communities, faiths and backgrounds — to end hate and violence in all its forms.”
