The first session of the Women and Equalities Committee’s inquiry into so-called honour-based abuse, will hear from experts with a background in researching honour-based abuse, including forced marriage, female genital mutilation, ‘honour’ killings, domestic abuse and violence, and victim support. In the second panel, the Committee will hear from representatives from specialist organisations that carry out frontline work supporting victims of this abuse.
Meeting details
MPs will examine the current understanding of honour-based abuse, its prevalence and the barriers to reporting abuse. How the police response, statutory support services and the Government can better support victims, will also be a focus. The inquiry is part of the Committee’s umbrella inquiry into Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls.
Warning: This session is likely to feature distressing content about Violence Against Women and Girls motivated by so-called honour. If you believe that you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger, please contact the police on 999.
If you are in need of support, here are some organisations which could assist you:
- Freedom Charity - UK-based charity formed to give support to victims of forced marriage and violence upon women thought to have brought dishonour on their family. Helpline: 0845 607 0133 or text the words 4freedom: to 88802
- The Halo project - A national project run by and for the black and minoritised community aiming to eliminate forced marriage, honour based abuse and female genital mutilation.
- The Asian Women’s Centre - They offer ‘support to women and children who have been affected by domestic abuse, forced marriages, honour based and faith-based abuse. The centre are part of a pan-London partnership and on their Projects page they give links to other community based organisations working in the same field.