The question of who, if anyone, is sexually exploiting south Asian women was the topic of a lively conference held today.

Speakers from charities, a university and local councillors attended the meeting which attracted more than 50 people.

It was organised by the Sikh Women’s Alliance at Redbridge Town Hall, High Road, Ilford.

The conference was called to address whether sexual exploitation within the community is widespread after a number of high profile court cases.

Topics included the scale of the problem, how to support victims and the role gurdwaras could, and do, play.

Speakers include Cllr Filly Maravala, Rita Chadha from the Refugee and Migrant Forum of East London, Jasbir Panesar from the University of East London and Cllr Balvinder Saund as chairman.

Did you go to the conference today? Tell us what you thought by emailing amanda.nunn@archant.co.uk or tweet us @ilfordrecorder.