What is forced marriage?

A forced marriage is a criminal offence in the UK and take place against someone's will. Emotional, physical, or financial pressure may be used to force the victim to marry another person. This pressure may be exerted by members of the victims own family. 

What is honour-based violence?

Honour-based abuse is a violence crime which includes coercive behaviour, ofter perpetrated by family members. This practice is used to control the victim's behaviour and 'protect' cultural or religious beliefs. Abuse can include serious offences such as murder, rape, or false imprisonment. 

Are you or someone you know at risk?

West Midlands Police have a 24 hour multi-lingual helpline available 7 days a week. It is free to call from mobiles and landlines. 

0800 953 9777

 

Further advice and guidance:

• The Karma Nirvana charity helps and supports victims of honour based abuse. To find out more about the work they do, visit their website.
• Women’s Aid gives help and support to women who experience honour based abuse. Find the nearest service to you below:
  • Birmingham and Solihull 
  • Sandwell
• Panahghar, an Urdu word for “safe house,” is a charity based in Coventry that aims to help Asian woman and their families in the region who have experienced honour based abuse. For more information, visit their website.
• Visit the Freedom Charity to learn more about how they protect young people who are at risk of honour based abuse.
• The SHARAN project looks to help vulnerable women from the South of Asia who have left home due to honour based abuse.
• Throughcare provide housing support to vulnerable people in the West Midlands. For more information visit their website.
• Find out more about The Haven Wolverhampton, a charity who provide support services to woman and children who suffer honour based abuse.
• The Southall Black Sisters is a charity based in London that helps defend the rights of Asian women who suffer honour based abuse.
• Find out more about the Ann Craft Trust, a charity that helps safeguard disabled people from abuse.
• Honour Based Abuse can also lead to sexual abuse. Find out more about the Coventry Rape and Sexual Assault Centre.
• Victim Support is an independent charity that help people affected by crime and traumatic events. They are not part of the police or any other criminal justice agency. Visit their website to see how they can help you, or call 0808 168 9111.
• If you would like support from agencies in your local area, you can search for them by visiting the Impact Pathways website.
• Halo offers support, advice and guidance for those suffering or at risk of forced marriage and honour based violence: www.haloproject.org.uk/