Forced Marriage (FM) & Honour Based Violence (HBV) Merseyside Afrah Qassim Chair of Savera Merseyside Forced Marriage & HBV Steering Group
Today’s Presentation Forced Marriage &Honour Based Violence Overview The work in Merseyside so far Work opportunities between Manchester and Merseyside (North West) “There is No Honour in Honour Killing”
What do these girls have in common? Heshu Laura Jones Wilson Banaz Mahmod They were all killed by their own families in the name of ‘honour’ Rukhsana Shafilia Ahmed Anita Ginda Samaira Nazir Naz
What is Forced Marriage? ‘A marriage conducted without the valid consent of one or both parties and where duress is a factor. ’ The DIFFERENCE between ‘arranged’ and ‘forced’........ An ‘arranged marriage’ is one where parents or other relatives would have chosen the person they are to be with, but both individuals involved have the final say and CAN SAY NO to the suitors they are presented with.
“Honour” Based Violence “Honour” based violence is a crime or incident, which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and/or community” “Honour” based violence’ is a fundamental abuse of Human Right.
Who is Affected Can happen anywhere anytime Any one can be at risk, (but.. Some communities are more at risk then others) Can not be justified on religious or cultural ground Each case is different
STATISTICS 2013 In 2013 FMU gave advice or support in over 1300 cases related to possible forced marriage 15% of calls involved victims below 16 yrs 25% involved victims aged 16-17 48% involved victims aged 18-25 7% involved victims aged 26-30 82% involved female victims and 18% involved male victims (but 57% male in learning disability cases) 97 instances involving those with disabilities 12 instances involved victims who identified as LGBT Forced Marriage unit
Countries Pakistan (42.7%) India (10.9%) Bangladesh (9.8%) Afghanistan(2.8%) Somalia (2.5%) Iraq (1.5%), Nigeria (1.1%), Saudi Arabia (1.1%), Yemen (1%), Iran (0.8%), Tunisia (0.8%), The Gambia (0.7%), Egypt (0.6%) and Morocco (0.4%) The origin was unknown in 5.4% of cases
DATA from 2013 UK Regional Distribution: London 24.9% West Midlands 13.6% South East 9.9% North West 9.3% Yorkshire and Humberside 6.8% East Midlands 4.2% East Anglia 3.5% Scotland 2.9% North East 2% South West 1.6% Wales 1.6% Northern Ireland 0.3% 19.4% of cases were classed as unknown
“Honour” Based Violence Figures obtained by the (IKWRO 2010) showed at least 2.823 incidents of HBV with the highest number recorded in London what we know is the tip of the iceberg
Factors Behind FM & HBV Each cultural group that practices FM &HBV develops its own socio- cultural “Justification” The concepts of morality & honour are an important factor in encouraging the practice of FM & HBV Poverty: A young girl may be regarded as an economic burden and her marriage is believed to benefit her family both financially and socially
Factors Behind FB & HBV These are some common causes: * Controlling unwanted behaviour particularly that of women & preventing ‘unsuitable’ relationships. * Protecting perceived cultural or religious ideals. * Claiming residence and citizenship strengthen family links For example – Getting a British Passport. * Providing carer for child or vulnerable adult.
The Impact The Individual : • Western culture, encourages independence, autonomy & Personal choice • Sense of betrayal towards family, community, culture, particularly if the family is loving and caring • Feelings of shame, guilt and confusion The Family: • Parents torn between duties as parents and culture/tradition • Consider it as an integral part of their parenting duties & can fear being accused of neglect & bad parenting if they do not comply • Parents can be pressured by extended family members The Community: • Sense of fear of further pressure • Humiliation • Pressure from families in the community • Isolation within the community
Negative experiences/percepti ons Children not wanting to go against their family’s Fear of breaking wishes family ‘honour’ Why is it not reported? Fear of isolation from Accepting family, culture family, community, & traditions culture No one understands Don’t know how to report what they are going it through
Impor portant tant quo uotes es “Blood is thicker than water” “Honour is thicker than blood” Victims do not come looking for HELP, they pray that help will come looking for THEM
What we can all do: ONE CHANCE RULE DO: • Take them seriously; • See them immediately and alone; • Conduct a risk assessment; • Respect their wishes and reassure them about confidentiality; • Refer on / establish means of contact. DO NOT : • Send them away; • Approach members of the family; • Approach members of the community; • Share information without consent; • Attempt to mediate. 16
Case Study Case study 1 • 15 years old, Case study 2 17 Years old •
The Work in Merseyside A Steering Group was setup in 2009 to look at this issue Multi-agency protocol - recently agreed by Merseyside Safeguarding Children/Adult Board – and launched (May2014) Savera – charity, (Dedicated to Tackle Domestic Abuse with BAMER Communities) Awareness sessions continued to deliver in partnership with the Community Flyer published promoting national services and local services that have been trained on this agenda Piloted a five Harmful Practice training session across Merseyside Training seminar for legal department as a result ( we can apply for emergency FMPO at Liverpool family court
Suggestions of Partnership work Merseyside, Manchester (NW) Develop a North West Forced Marriage & HBV group (Harmful Practice group) This will Strengthen communications and projects developments Training for Judges Funding opportunities Scoping study to highlight services supporting women of FM & HBV and effectiveness within NW
Conclusion Forced Marriage & Honour Based Violence is a complex issue and requires a sensitive, innovative and multi-dimensional approach that relies on the empowerment and encouragement of individuals to engage with services But………………
“ Multi -Cultural sensitivity is No excuse for moral blindness” (Home Office Minister)
Contact Savera www.saveraliverpool.co.uk Saveraliverpool@hotmail.co.uk 07716266484
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