A victim of a Islamophobia-triggered attack is determined to continue wearing her hijab. Sophia Dar was attacked on Oxford Street, London, in broad daylight when a man yelled at her and tried pulling her traditional headscarf off.
"I was shocked someone would do this, but even more shocked no one tried to stop him or ask if I was OK. We need to stand up to these people. They are bullies who think we will be quiet. But I'm not oppressed. I've decided to wear my scarf and am proud to do so. It is totally my choice," the 47 year old said. She has reported the incident to the police. Det Sgt Steve Stamp, Met Police, called the attack "unprovoked and hate-filled", adding that they have launched an investigation into the hate crime. "Women don't always report it as they think the thing said to them is small, but it's not," he said.
Dar said, "If you let things go, people's mindsets will not change. I will wear my hijab tighter and if anything, it has made me more determined to wear it. I'm proud of it- it's a huge part of my identity."
