‘Honour’ crimes helpline launched
Karma Nirvana and the Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation are launching a free 24-hour ‘honour’ crimes helpline, to be run by trained members of the two organisations. Currently there is a 24-hour domestic violence helpline (0808 2000 247), but this new service is staffed by ‘honour’ crime specialists, who should be better able to deal with women (and men) who are worried about potential ‘honour’ crimes. The service is supported by the Foreign Office’s Forced Marriage Unit, and the police, yet remains independent so as not to put off those who are worried about the authorities getting involved. The number is 0800 5999247.
(My thanks to Diana Nammi of IKWRO for this information)
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The launch event was today in Stoke On Trent.
Attended by Vernon Coaker and senior leaders in the police, CPS and social services, it was undoubtedly the single most significant strike yet launched against honour culture in the UK.
It was also the single most moving event this writer has ever been to. Most of the day was dedicated to speakers who were themselves survivors of forced marriage, honour based violence and family abandonment. The youngest speaker was an 18 year old girl who now lives in a refuge after fleeing a forced marriage at 15.
Every delegate at the launch was moved to their core, and the government and police promised real action to break up this evil culture that pervades certain areas of the country.
The momentum for change is now a full flow, and the time for change is *NOW*.
That number is 0800 5999247. While I’m here, please can I just put this link here for this year;s IKWRO conference: 14 May, at the Amnesty International Human Rights Centre
Galloise Blonde:
Thanks. I had seen it previously, but for some reason could not find the number. Just to check, it is not active until 14th May right?
Perhaps,
This is just a suggestion.
Huh.
You could perhaps send JOHN GRISHAM into a black hole?
Like, use the delete key?
Honour network is up and running now – 11th April 2007 – not May 2008. Natasha.
Sorry – its 11th April 2008 – Natasha