'I'm not keeping it private anymore' - MailOnline

Saira Khan breaks down as she reveals she was molested by a family member when she was 13 in her own home


Saira Khan broke down in tears as she revealed she was molested by a male family member when she was just aged 13. 

The 46-year-old spoke about the attack on Loose Women for the first time on Thursday, after the panel spoke about US Glamour magazine’s chosen names for Women of the Year.

Learning that male singer Bono had made the list, she said she would prefer to see someone like Pakistani woman Mukhtar Mai included instead.

In 2002, she was gang raped by village elders because her brother was deemed to have had an inappropriate relationship and forced to walk naked through the streets.

Saira said: 'Many women in her position would have committed suicide. But she dedicates her life to helping other victims.'

Becoming visibly upset, she said: 'This woman inspired me. I've never said this before but a male member of my family came into my bedroom when I was 13 and did things to me.

Bursting into tears, she said: 'For any young child or woman, someone touching them without permission is WRONG It happens in our homes as well. 

'It's not culturally acceptable or religiously acceptable and it happens everyday.'

With her hands shaking, she said: 'Sorry, guys I wasn't expecting to say it and I'm only saying it now as the man is dead.