People suffering so-called ‘honour-based’ abuse are being urged to seek help and support as Sandwell marks an annual Day of Memory on Sunday (14 July) to remember lost victims.
The Day of Memory – National Honour-Based Abuse Awareness Day – honours Shafilea Ahmed and all victims and survivors of honour-based abuse. Shafilea Ahmed was killed by her family in an honour-based killing in Bradford in 2003, when she was just 17.
The term honour-based abuse refers to controlling behaviour including physical violence and abuse motivated by a perceived need to maintain, or restore, family honour.
The punishment for bringing dishonour can be emotional abuse, physical abuse, family disownment and forced marriage where people face physical and emotional pressure to marry against their will and, in some cases, murder. There are an estimated 12 'honour killings' each year in the UK although the exact number is unknown.
Women are predominantly but not exclusively the victims. Men can also be victims, sometimes because of their involvement in what is deemed to be an inappropriate relationship, for example if they are gay or if they are believed to be supporting a victim.
Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, said: “Forced marriage and so-called ‘honour-based’ abuse are not cultural traditions – they are an abuse of human rights.
“Honour-based abuse is hidden, can take many forms of abusive behaviour and is under-reported.
“If you, or someone you know, are being forced into a marriage or experiencing honour-based abuse, Sandwell Council and our partners can help and advise you.”
Useful contacts
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, always call 999.
If you are concerned about a child who may be a victim of forced marriage or honour-based abuse should contact Sandwell Children’s Trust on 0121 569 3100. Those concerned about an adult with care and support needs should contact Adult Social Care on 0121 569 2266.
Black Country Women’s Aid (BCWA) can provide support to women and men experiencing domestic abuse. They provide a full range of services including access to specialist domestic abuse refuge accommodation and access to a range of specialist domestic abuse advice and support. You can contact BCWA 24 hours a day on 0121 552 6448. Or contact BCWA via webchat and via WhatsApp on 07384 466181.
Ask Marc provides confidential practical and emotional support for men and boys who have experienced domestic abuse, rape and sexual abuse. This includes one-to-one and telephone support, access to counselling, help reporting issues to the police, support at court and support groups. Contact Ask Marc by phone on 0121 289 6402, email info@askmarc.org.uk or visit the Ask Marc website for more information.
Birmingham LGBT Centre can also provide a range of support services for LGBT victims. 0121 643 0821 or visit the BLGBT website.
Sandwell Council also provides support to access safe accommodation for victims and their children who may find themselves at risk of homeless due to domestic abuse. Call 0121 368 1166 or visit the council's homelessness webpage for more information.