Copyright expressandstar
Cysters, a charity focused on supporting those with conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome, was founded by Neelam Heera-Shergill in Birmingham back in 2017. The charity is largely recognised for its work in supporting research and creating safe spaces for women and marginalised communities. But following recent 'racially aggravated' rapes in Walsall and Oldbury, the charity has taken to social media to share a powerful message of solidarity to the victims and to encourage communities to take a stand against attacks on women. In a statement, a spokesperson for Cysters wrote: "Gender-based violence and racism are intertwined tools of oppression, used to control, silence and terrify. "We are heartbroken and outraged by the racially aggravated rape of Sikh women in Oldbury and Walsall, West Midlands. "This was not only a racist hate crime. It was a violent assault on her body, her autonomy and her humanity. "Bodily autonomy is a fundamental right. Every person has the right to decide what happens to their body, free from coercion, violence or fear. "Reproductive justice, built on the right to have children, not have children, and to raise children in safe, supportive environments, cannot exist while sexual violence and racial hatred thrive. "We refuse to accept a world where hate and sexual violence strip anyone of their dignity. "We stand with Sikh communities. We stand with every survivor & we demand the repro community stand with us. Hate cannot divide us. We will not be silent. We will not be broken. We will demand justice and create change." A 32-year-old man has been arrested in Perry Barr following the racially aggravated rape in the Park Hall area of Walsall on Saturday night (October 25). The victim was reportedly a Sikh student, aged 20. Det Supt Ronan Tyrer, from West Midlands Police's Public Protection Unit, said: "This is a significant development in our investigation, and I’d like to thank everyone who has come forward with information following our appeal last night. “Our investigation will progress today, and, as always our priority is the woman who was the subject of this attack. She has been updated this morning and will continue to receive full support from specially trained officers.” The attack comes after another Sikh woman was raped in grassland on Tame Road, Oldbury last month, in an incident also being treated as racially aggravated by police. A 49-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman who were arrested in connection with the incident were bailed by police on October 20. Anyone with any further information regarding the Walsall incident has been urged to contact police via 101, quoting log 4027 of October 25.
