Grooming The Final Word Time to Face the Truth

Following the conviction earlier this week of nine men for crimes related to the sexual grooming of underage girls, there has been wall to wall coverage of the issue, debating the what, where, why and how of this ugly matter. This brief article is an attempt to provide an objective summary of the key learnings for our community in the aftermath of the debatethough no doubt, the debate will continue. Firstly, for the perpetrators of these abhorrent crimes. We are all in agreement that these wicked individuals deserve to feel the full force of the law (more on this later) for ruining not only the lives of many innocent and vulnerable girls, but the girls families, as well as their own families lives. Not to mention the negative impact on community relations between different races and religions. Given that these individuals lived, worked and socialised in the community along with the rest of us ordinary (whatever that may be..) folk, it is inconceivable that no other in the community knew that these abhorrent acts were taking place. Other people most certainly were aware. These individuals, whoever they may, are just as guilty for keeping silent without informing appropriate authorities whether the police, social services, community leaders, family members and so on. Let us be clear. Race nor religion are factors in these repugnant crimes. This is about exploitation of vulnerable individuals by depraved individuals who deny accountability for their actions. There is nothing in their national culture that breeds this. All true religions deplore such activities. These individuals were not influenced by their race or religion in any way. Rather it was their personal attitude to girls, which would have been due to a number of diverse factors. Our politician or community leaders who suggest a link need to be brought to task. In most cases, such individuals are merely pampering to popular opinion to further their own political careers or the stance of their parties. Such politicking needs to be roundly condemned by all. Instead of genuinely seeking solutions, they prefer to use the opportunity for their own benefit. Sadly, our elected representatives merely serve the parties they represent, rather than the people who elect them. This is a sad indictment of politics today, which is about remaining in power. Taking credit for all the good that happens, and blaming the opposition for all of societys ills. I think we would all be better off without the politicians and political parties that claim to represent us today. Let us look wider. Integral components of the crimes are drugs and alcohol. As a society, we need to recognise the wide ranging ill effects of both of these substances. Whilst drugs are largely illegal, though still easily accessible, alcohol is not only legally available, but an integral part of many aspects of society. We need to wake up to this, and realise that the harm caused by alcohol far outweighs any benefit to individuals or society. Many figures in authority (police, medical professionals) openly acknowledge that if alcohol were to be newly introduced into society today, it would clearly be categorised as a harmful substance in the same way as many drugs are, and hence be prohibited. As

a society, we need to acknowledge that just because we have always done it, does not make it right. Let us be brave enough to say that alcohol is a great vice, and we need to remove it from society. Further still, let us take a look at the victims of these barbaric acts. These girls, we must acknowledge, have been failed by all. Firstly, they have been failed by their families. We do not know the personal circumstances of any of the girls, so I do not wish to be judgemental. However, given that they were all in care, they were sadly, for whatever reason, failed by their families. Secondly, they were failed by the care authorities to whom their care was entrusted. This failure allowed them to be exploited by wicked individuals. So the emerging picture is one of a whole number of factors, which created a lethal cocktail that led to the abuse of innocent children. Crimes are often perpetrated due to the opportunity afforded by a set of circumstances. Removing any one of the factors would probably have meant the crimes would not have occurred. The broken home.the failure of social services.the vulnerable childthe warped mind of the sexual predator.the lack of realisation of accountability for ones actions.the ease of access to alcohol and drugsthe turning of the blind eye by those n the knowthe dysfunctional community.is any single one is responsible? Or did they all play a part. Evidently, to lay the blame for these acts at the door of a single community is not only nave and mischevious; neither will it allow us to progress to eradicate the abuse of those most vulnerable in our society. Let us not forget, grooming is not the only form of abuse of the vulnerable. Lastly, a fitting punishment for the criminals? The sentences handed out ranged from four to nineteen years. So some of those found guilty could be free men within two years. I ask you, is that justice? Perhaps even the strongest opponents of shariah law the likes of BNP and EDL - would support me if I was to suggest that a fitting punishment for such evil would be the enactment of the hudood (Islamic punishments) for these individuals. Have they not, through their actions, foregone the right to abide in society? And will not such a strong deterrent, for those who may be inclined to commit such acts in the future, make them stop and reconsider? Is it not time we all stopped and reflected upon the society we have created? For all our sakes. Peace and blessings to all.

Hamid Chaudry bayyinafoundation.blogspot.com May 2012