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Archive for July, 2015

Let’s make Honour Killings history……………….

Every year thousands of women suffer from honour based violence with around 12 women killed, all for supposedly compromising their families so called “izzat” (honour). The 14th July is the official day to remember Britain’s lost women, this date commemorates the birth date of Shafilea Ahmed (#RememberShafilea), seventeen years later she was murdered by her parents in front of her sister after she resisted a forced marriage.

The Halo Project Charity in partnership with Teesside University are holding an event on this historic day, 14th July 2015 to raise the awareness of honour based violence and will be leading the way for partners and agencies to sign a HBV charter. The day will also be an opportunity to see short HBV films,  documentary and to find out what is happening locally to support victims. If you would like to join us and sign the Halo Partnership HBV Charter as a demonstration of our continued commitment to stamp out honour abuse, come and visit us from 9.30 to 2.00 @ Teesside University. For further information contact the Halo Project Charity on 01642 683045.

9.00        Meet Halo staff, speak to survivors

9.30        Teesside University lead the way to sign HBV Charter

10.00-10.45   Short films, documentary, HBV information and awareness

11.00           North East Police and Crime Commissioners show their commitment as part of their VAWG strategy joint signatories

1.30-2.00   CPS North East Chief Crown Prosecutor (Further opportunity to sign HBV pledge for visitors and HBV awareness)

Our partners will also be visiting during the day and include Middlesbrough Council, Cleveland Police, Durham Police, Northumbria Police, Middlesbrough College, North Star Housing Group, Teesside University, Victim Support, Durham University CPS North East and the Thirteen Group.

#RememberShafilea

 

‘Honour crime’: 11,000 UK cases recorded in five years

More than 11,000 cases of so-called honour crime were recorded by UK police forces from 2010-14, new figures show.

The Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation, which obtained the data, called for a national strategy for police, courts and schools to follow. The crimes are usually aimed at women, and can include abductions, beatings and even murders. Commander Mak Chishty, head of police policy on the issue, said there was now a better understanding of the problem.

So-called honour crimes are acts which have been committed to protect or defend the supposed honour or reputation of a family and community.

‘Crimes unreported’

The figures revealed 11,744 incidences of these crimes between 2010 and 2014, consisting of data from 39 out of 52 police forces in the UK. They included forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).

Read More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33424644

Girls in Rotterdam told how to avoid forced marriages

A Dutch organisation which campaigns against forced marriages is on Thursday issuing hundreds of girls in Rotterdam with a special pen containing tips on how to avoid being married off during the summer. The pen contains the contact details of organisations which can help if they fear their parents plan to force them to marry during the summer break. It also contains tips such as concealing a teaspoon in their clothes so they will set of alarms at airport security checks and can then call for help. A similar campaign was carried out in The Hague last year. Femmes voor Freedom founder Shirin Misa told news agency ANP last year’s campaign generated a lot of positive feedback.

Read more at DutchNews.nl: Girls in Rotterdam told how to avoid forced marriages http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2015/07/girls-in-rotterdam-told-how-to-avoid-forced-marriages/

46 forced marriage cases prosecuted in first year

Forced marriage prosecutions are under way in Britain with 46 completed in the first year since the law was changed, Solicitor General Robert Buckland has announced.

New laws introducing criminal responsibility for people who coerce others into marriage were passed in the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Mr Buckland said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has been flagging forced marriage cases since 2010, leading to 46 prosecutions last year.

During law officers questions in the Commons, the Solicitor General said: “From 2010 particular offences that involve forced marriage as a key element have been flagged by the Crown Prosecution Service and I’m happy to report that the volume of completed prosecutions in the last year – 2014-15 – rose to 46, which is the highest volume ever.

“More work to be done but encouraging progress.”

Mr Buckland said the joint Foreign Office and Home Office forced marriage unit had given advice in 1,300 cases in Britain and overseas in the last year. He stressed the need for agencies working with children to report any suspected forced marriage, saying it is a form of child abuse.

Read More: http://www.asianimage.co.uk/news/13366427.46_forced_marriage_cases_prosecuted_in_first_year/

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