A teenage girl who was abused by a supposed ‘spiritual healer’ has bravely urged other victims of sexual abuse to speak out.

The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she started going to the man at his house for 'tuition'. 

Hasham Lodhi, 41, would read passages from the Quran to ‘cleanse’ her, whilst at the same time carrying out the abuse.

Lodhi was sentenced to 12 years in prison and was made subject to sex offender notification requirements for life.

An indefinite restraining order was also imposed between him and the victim at a sentencing hearing last week.

Hasham LodhiHasham Lodhi (Image: Lancashire Police) Preston Crown Court heard Lodhi, of Brennand Street, Burnley, had been approached in March 2021 by the victim’s family as it was believed he had ‘healing abilities’ and could help people who believed they were victims of ‘black magic’.

The teenager would be dropped off by her mother at his home, and would find herself alone with him once family members had left.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph she said: “People had told my family that this man can help as he had also helped people with cancer and other ailments.

"Others had visited him and they vouched for him.”

The victim said she suffered from low confidence due to an ailment which had affected her life.

Lodhi was trusted in the community for hisab (predicament), spiritual advice and teaching Quran.

She said: “I was told that there was something wrong with me and bad Jinnaats (evil spirits) had taken control of me. They were also inside me and these had to be removed.

“He also said Allah had punished me and that is why I was the way I was.

“He told me I needed to be cleansed and purified due to my ailment.” 

“This man used Islam to take advantage of my condition.”

During the visits, the victim was told to stay in a circle and he would read the Quran. This is when the sexual assaults would also take place.

She eventually confided in her mother and did not share her fears earlier as she thought nobody would listen to her or believe her, but said her mother was "very supportive.”

Her mum said: “You need someone in the family to take your side. 

“This is why people don’t come forward as they think that nobody will believe them, especially [when the abuser is] disguised as a religious figure.

"[They think they can] get away with it as they know people won’t complain.”

The victim added: “The only thing that kept me going is the knowledge there are more victims out there, and this needs to get out.”

She feels there are people like Lodhi in every community who "have a hold" over others enabling them to get away with their crimes.

She believes by encouraging others to come forward and share their stories she can create a supportive community and empower those who have stayed silent to speak up and seek justice.

The girl added: “I would like to urge anyone who is going through this or has in the past to come forward and don’t stay quiet because there will be others who are suffering.

"I know it's not easy, but speaking up about what happened to me was a huge step. 

“You're not alone, and your voice matters. Let's stand together, be proud, and break the silence.”