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Domestic and Sexual abuse - Information, advice and support for victims, survivors and professionals.
Forced Marriage – It is against the law to force someone into a marriage, call today for confidential, non-judgemental advice and support
Honour Based Abuse – There is no shame in seeking help, call us today if you feel you are at risk of abuse for bringing shame on the family
FGM – FGM is illegal, call us today for information, advice and guidance
An award-winning, specialist By and For national charity supporting victims and survivors of abuse from black and minoritised communities. Our vision is to eliminate forced marriage, honour-based abuse and female genital mutilation within society. To change attitudes and beliefs for future generations, to break the cycle of abuse and to empower victims and survivors to make their own choices and live fear free.
Halo Project Charity - Our services
We provide safeguarding and culturally appropriate confidential advice, help and support to Black and Minoritised Women and girls who are at risk of and/or are survivors of domestic and sexual violence and abuse. This includes searching for safe accommodation, outreach support, safety planning and ongoing support to those at risk of harm and abuse.
Our Specialist Safeguarding Support Hub not only provides tailored advocacy to victims and survivors of abuse, we also provide expert support to professionals for enhanced safeguarding and better outcomes for victim and survivors.
Delivering accredited honour–based abuse, forced marriage and female genital mutilation training for professionals. This includes trauma-informed safeguarding packages and we can also develop bespoke tailored training dependent on your organisational requirements.
Our team have extensive experience and knowledge of safeguarding practices ensuring BME victims experiences are understood and responded to effectively, including the specific intersectional barriers they face. Our specialist team have led serious case reviews, advised on DHR’s for honour killings and advise Government bodies in England & Wales.
Abuse can be a collection of practices, which are used to control behaviour within families to protect so called cultural and religious beliefs and/or honour. Violence can occur when perpetrators perceive that a relative has shamed the family and/or community by breaking their honour code.
So-called 'honour based violence’ can be distinguished from other forms of violence, as it is often committed with some degree of approval and/or collusion from family and / or community members. This can actually lead to murder, un-explained death (suicide), fear of or actual forced marriage, controlling sexual activity, domestic abuse (including psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse), child abuse, rape, kidnapping, false imprisonment, threats to kill, assault, harassment, FGM and forced abortion. This list is not exhaustive
Sometimes it’s the ones we love who hurt us the most.
(Sometimes it’s the ones we love the greatest who hurt us the most)
‘Honour-based abuse is a crime or incident, which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and/or community’ (NPCC, 2008).
It is different from other forms of abuse and violence as it is often carried out with some degree of approval and/or collusion from family and/or community members. Examples may include un-explained death (suicide), fear of or actual forced marriage, controlling sexual activity, domestic violence, child abuse, rape, kidnapping, false imprisonment, threats to kill, assault, stalking and harassment, forced abortion and in the worst case scenario murder.
It is estimated 5000 honour killings take place worldwide every year, nationally there are approximately 12 -15 reported honour killings per year in the United Kingdom. 14th July marks the National Day of Remembrance for ‘Britain’s Lost Women’, those who have been murdered by their families in the name of honour.
The statistics do not take into account the many people and school children who are taken abroad and do not return and their whereabouts are unknown. Neither do they reflect the nature of the abuse that can often be non-violent but nonetheless threatening and frightening to the point where you can’t make a single decision about your own life.
National statistics also show that South Asian females under the age of 24 are 2 to 3 times more likely to take their own lives than their Caucasian counterparts.
Find out more about Honour Based Violence
Need Help
Definition of Honour Based Violence
Honour Based Violence Case Studies
Forced Marriage Support
“A forced marriage is where one or both people do not (or in cases of people with learning disabilities, cannot) consent to the marriage and pressure or abuse is used. It is an appalling and indefensible practice and is recognised in the UK as a form of violence against women and men, domestic/child abuse and a serious abuse of human rights.” (UK Home Office)
The Halo Project Charity is a national charity that aims to respond to cases of Forced Marriage across the UK. Halo provides specialist support to victims of forced marriages and those suffering domestic abuse in the name of honour.
We pride ourselves on having the skills, experience, understanding and ability to help eliminate these unacceptable practices. Until this is achieved, we will support victims to get the right advice, information and ensure their safety.
The credentials of the team have been specifically sought to ensure, cultural sensitivity, confidentiality, respect and integrity are key values underpinning the service you get receive from us.
Find out more about Forced Marriage Support
Need Help
The Definition of Forced Marriage
Forced Marriage Case Study
Worried about FGM?
It’s your body and no one has the right to force you to be surgically altered in any way, even if the person telling you is someone you love and who loves you.
If you are worried about someone who is at risk of FGM or has had FGM, this information should be shared with social care or the police. It is then their responsibility to investigate and protect any girls or women affected.
Call the Halo Project in confidence for further help and advice.
Find out more about Female Genital Mutilation
Need Help
Definition of Female Genital Mutilation
Female Genital Mutilation Case Study
