Metropolitan Police addresses allegations of discouraging Nigerian women from “reporting their husbands”

Recently, videos circulating on social media platforms claimed that the Metropolitan Police had asked Nigerian women to stop reporting their husbands to the police. Understandably, this alarming assertion made me very concerned. In a society where victims of domestic abuse already face numerous barriers to seeking help, such claims could further deter vulnerable individuals from reporting their abusers.

I decided to take action. In an effort to address the issue head-on, I reached out to the Metropolitan Police directly, seeking clarification and emphasising the need for transparency and sensitivity in their approach to domestic abuse cases involving minority communities. Email as follows:

Subject: Request for Clarification on Metropolitan Police’s Alleged Discouragement of Nigerian Women “Reporting Their Husbands”

Good morning,

I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding videos circulating on social media platforms claiming that the Metropolitan Police has asked Nigerian women in the UK to “stop reporting their husbands” to the police. The video in question has been shared on popular accounts such as @sabiradio (with over 400,000 followers) and @onlyinnigeria (with over 600,000 followers), and can be found at the following links: www.instagram.com/p/C_qDDREIA80/ and https://www.instagram.com/p/C_tFI7au9rG/.

It appears that this video is in reference to a talk delivered by a Nigerian officer from the Metropolitan Police with others in attendance. Although I have not been able to find the full video of the talk, I have seen references to a video snippet posted here: www.instagram.com/p/C_mj97wNdkA/. The matter is now being widely discussed, including on national television, as seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdojUVG2BfU, a platform with over a million followers on YouTube.

As a professional in the domestic abuse sector with a deep understanding of the cultural context of abuse in Africa and within the African diaspora, I find the blanket statement being attributed to the Metropolitan Police highly alarming because it is being used to justify victim-blaming and the silencing of victims. While I genuinely hope that the original statements have been misconstrued, it is essential that the Metropolitan Police as a body address this matter promptly.

The rapid spread of such information could create significant barriers for women experiencing abuse and seeking help. It is crucial to ensure that vulnerable individuals feel safe and supported when reporting their abusers. Furthermore, the conversations that have followed the wide spreading of the video have been highly misogynistic, highlighting the urgent need for clarification from the Metropolitan Police on this matter.

I kindly request that the Metropolitan Police provide clarification or debunk these claims if they are false. If the claims are true, I would like to know what led the Metropolitan Police to take this stance and whether there is any data supporting this decision. I will be submitting a Freedom of Information (FOI) request in this regard separately.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to a resolution that reaffirms the Metropolitan Police’s commitment to protecting all victims of domestic abuse, regardless of their cultural background.

Sincerely,

Pamilerin Beckley

To my pleasant surprise, I received a swift and reassuring response. Superintendent Brockway not only addressed my concerns but also promised to ensure that officers uphold the values expected of them by the public.

The fight against misogyny and domestic abuse requires ongoing vigilance and collective effort. We must continue to engage in open dialogue and take proactive steps to challenge harmful attitudes and practices. By doing so, we can foster a safer, more supportive environment for victims of domestic abuse and contribute to building a more equitable society.

From the desk of the warrior; where gender stereotypes don’t wash. Where it is okay to “fight like a girl” & women can be assertive without being called “bossy”. Where activism & advocacy meet to deliberate gender equity. Where you’ll find my pen fighting the patriarchy.