IF NISHA\u2019s ordeal was an isolated one, it would be bad enough.<\/p>\n
That many young women have had to endure similar experiences is a reminder that our society still has a long way to go to eradicate honour-based violence and forced marriage.<\/p>\n
The Karma Nirvana charity took 126 calls from victims in Leeds last year and 358 from West Yorkshire.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout a doubt, Leeds has more cases than what we are seeing reflected in the figures,\u201d said charity founder Jasvinder Sanghera.\u00a0\u201cThe worrying thing is there are young people across the city that don\u2019t know that forced marriage is a criminal offence and it is wrong. They have taught to be silent.\u00a0\u201cIt is under-reported and we have a duty to bring it above the ground.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want an increase in the number of cases being reported, to reduce isolation and ultimately save lives.\u201d\u00a0There is hope, as Nisha demonstrated when she managed to break free from her domestic prison.<\/p>\n
Read more: http:\/\/www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk\/news\/your-leeds\/yep-says\/yep-says-backing-the-fight-to-eradicate-honour-violence-1-7778652#ixzz42JtnDxIW<\/p>\n