By Baroness Shaista Gohir (CEO of Muslim Women's Network UK)

Organisations have been marking national hate crime awareness week and we did too by formally launching our new national helpline Muslim Safety Net (www.muslimsafetynet.org.uk) in parliament on 15^th October 2025. The helpline will provide another option to Muslims in Britain to report any type of anti-Muslim hostility wherever it occurs whether in publics spaces, online, in the workplace or when using services. The new initiative has been developed by the charity that I lead, Muslim Women’s Network UK, which already runs the Muslim Women’s Network Helpline for victims of domestic abuse.

When I wrote a research report last year following the racially and religiously motivated riots, I found that 80% of victims did not report incidents and only 33% had faith and confidence in existing helplines or the police. These responses led to the development of Muslim Safety Net. Although the service is for both men and women, I hope that Muslim women especially feel comfortable speaking to the new helpline about their experiences because of my charity’s track record in delivering faith and culturally sensitive services.

"If 80% of incidents go unreported, the actual number could be closer to 15,000–20,000"

No matter how minor an incident may seem, it must be reported. Without these reports, it becomes much harder to hold the government accountable for failing to protect the safety of Muslims. For instance, in 2024, around 3,000–4,000 incidents were officially reported to the police. If 80% of incidents go unreported, the actual number could be closer to 15,000–20,000. Highlighting these figures could prompt policymakers and Ministers to take notice and take action.

The current climate of fear and anxiety is forcing many Muslims to alter their daily routines, with some even withdrawing from public life. Muslim women, in particular, are likely to be disproportionately affected. The fear of hate crimes can discourage them from volunteering, studying, or pursuing employment opportunities. Despite the serious implications for Muslim safety and wellbeing, the government appears to be doing very little to address anti-Muslim hostility — sending a troubling message that the security of Muslim communities is not a priority.

Today, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced new measures to review antisemitism within the NHS and to introduce mandatory anti-semitism training for NHS staff. That is welcome — but where is the equivalent commitment to tackling anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia? Time and again, the Labour government is sending Muslims the message that their safety and concerns matter less.

"As its Islamophobia Awareness Month in November, I urge everyone to use that opportunity to share information about Muslim Safety Net."

I am really pleased the that the JC Decaux Community Channel has partnered with us to promote the new service by providing time on their outdoor screens nationally across several hundred locations, which run from 6^th October to 16 November 2025. So, if you spot one, please post on social media and tag us in at @muslimsafetynet. I am really grateful to the faces of our billboard campaign who spoke at the launch event - Ayan Aden (Birmingham Poet Laureate for 2024-26), Sebina Hussain (Creator and Consultant), Sahir Ahmed-Evans (Menopause Coach), and Bilal Shafiq (music artist) for being the faces of the campaign. Other speakers who supported the launch included: Lionel Idan (Chief Prosecutor and National Hate Crime Lead), Alex Gent (President of the National Association of Muslim Police), William Spencer (JC Decaux) and finally Dowshan Humzah (Strategist) who shared really fascinating Daily Mail articles from the 1980s praising Muslims as model families and citizens, highlighting their strong values and their positive contribution to British society and local communities. 

As its Islamophobia Awareness Month in November, I urge everyone to use that opportunity to share information about Muslim Safety Net. Victims and witnesses can report incidents to Muslim Safety Net via an online form or by phone (0303 330 0288). The service offers advice, support with making police reports, access to emotional support, and referrals to relevant services. In addition to reporting, the Muslim Safety Net website will provide resources to improve legal literacy within Muslim communities and help build a national Muslim Safety Network for sharing information. As the service develops, Muslim Safety Net also hopes to create a pro bono legal panel to provide further assistance.

I am really thankful to the existing funders of Muslim Women’s Network UK — including the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Coutts Foundation, and Pears Foundation — whose support has enabled us to create the new website, develop the reporting database, and allocate staff time to establish the service. However, until dedicated funding is secured, Muslim Safety Net will be run by a team of trained volunteers dedicated to the security and safety of Muslims.

Report anti-Muslim hate incidents: www.muslimsafetynet.org.uk / 0330 330 0288

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