An Aberdeen woman has told how her family’s life has “turned into a nightmare” after they became the target of racist abuse at their new home in the city.
Aminah Akram, 33, has five children, aged one, four, eight, ten and 11, the oldest of whom, Hiba, has Down’s Syndrome.
After spending her adult life in Westhill, Ms Akram moved to Glasgow with her family last year but fled her husband after “escalating acts of domestic abuse” against her children.
However, upon returning to Aberdeen, she was given one offer of accommodation by the city council, which she claims is “totally unsuited” to her daughter Hiba’s needs.
And police have confirmed that enquiries are ongoing into a number of racially-aggravated incidents at the Akram’s property.
Ms Akram said: “I approached the council and they did an assessment of my daughter’s needs, and she was recommended for a secure enclosed garden and ground floor property.
“But, in December 2014, I was offered a flat with a garden, which is not suitable for Hiba, as she simply cannot get access to it, nor is it safe or enclosed.
“I was told that because I was homeless, I would only get one offer, so I felt bullied into accepting it. There was no alternative.
“But since then, my family’s life has turned into a nightmare, Since we moved in, my children and I have been subjected to racial abuse, my daughter gets mocked and abused due to her disability, and we have been victims of hate crime.
“People have kicked footballs against our window, poured things on my car, banged on our windows late at night, made loud noises in the communal hallway and used foul language.
“This is very difficult for my daughter, because she associates the noise with her father and cries, thinking her father is coming to smack her.
“We are at the end of our tethers. We get it that the council only has a limited number of properties but Hiba is almost a prisoner in her own home.”
Ms Akram raised her concerns earlier this month at a meeting, which included representatives from Police Scotland, Grampian Women’s Aid, Down’s Syndrome Scotland, and Hiba’s carers Cornerstone and Aberdeen City Council’s social work department.
And the police have confirmed that they are looking into the acts of racism which are plaguing the family.
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “We can confirm we are aware of these incidents and enquiries are ongoing.”
Ms Akram insisted she wasn’t looking for special treatment, but added: “The children are living in more fear now than they did with their father.
“My eight-year-old son is now getting counselling due to the effects of the abuse in this property.
“And I am getting pushed to breaking point and don’t know how else to get the council to pull their act together.”
Dog mess and other litter left at the front door of the property:-
Ms Akram has set up a Facebook page Help Hiba Move and has been encouraged by the support she has received from many people.
She added: “The carers at Cornerstone have been absolutely fantastic and [SNP MSP] Kevin Stewart has also said he will help me.
Mr Stewart added: “All of the public authorities need to come together to find a suitable property for Ms Akram and her family.
“It has to be one which meets all their needs.
“If Aberdeen City Council was to ask the Scottish Government for help with the provision of more social housing for people with disabilities and special needs, I would fully support them.”
STV contacted the city council on Friday, but a spokesperson responded: “We do not comment on individual cases.
“We work with tenants to try to meet their accommodation needs.”
