Dyfed Powys Police Remembers Britain’s Lost Women

Dyfed Powys Police is honouring a national day designated to remember British women who have been killed as a result of Honour Based Violence – Britain’s Lost Women.

Tuesday, July 14, is a day to honour the memories of all the young women in the UK and throughout the world who have been killed or abused for bringing shame on their families.

July 14 was chosen as it marks the birthday of Shafilea Ahmed who sadly lost her life in 2003 aged 17. After suffering years of honour-based violence, including an attempted forced marriage, Shafilea’s parents suffocated her to death in front of her siblings. After trying to force the girl to accept an arranged marriage, they were afraid her refusal would bring shame on the family.

The Day of Remembrance is the result of relentless campaigning by Cosmopolitan magazine and Karma Nirvana, a national support network for victims of Honour Based Violence and abuse.

Dyfed Powys Police’s Detective Superintendent Andrew John said: “Dyfed Powys Police is supporting this Day of Remembrance for Britain’s Lost Women.

“Dyfed Powys has far less multi-cultural communities than many other police forces throughout the UK, but that does not mean Honour Based Violence is not happening here.

“We need to be aware of this issue and be able to recognise the signs of Honour Based Violence, which includes the crimes of Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation. A lack of awareness could increase the risk of opportunities for prevention and intervention to be missed.

“We will be using the Day of Remembrance to raise awareness of the scourge of honour-based abuse amongst police officers and our partner agencies by giving them the information, support and confidence they need to be able to spot signs of Honour Based Violence and abuse. This will in turn give victims and survivors the confidence to come forward and report these crimes to police.”

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. Women and girls are predominantly – but not exclusively – the victims of Honour Based Violence.

Examples of Honour Based Violence include murder, unexplained death or suicide, Forced Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation, controlling sexual activity, domestic abuse, child abuse, rape, kidnapping, false imprisonment, threats to kill, assault, harassment and forced abortion. This list is not exhaustive.

Honour Based Violence cuts across all cultures and communities: Turkish, Kurdish, Afghani, South Asian, African, Middle Eastern, South and Eastern European for example. Where a culture is heavily male dominated, Honour Based Violence may exist.

How can we help?

Dyfed Powys Police – If you or someone you know is a victim of Honour Based Violence and abuse call police on 101 for support. You will be believed and you will be supported. In an emergency call 999.

HM Government Forced Marriage Unit – 0207 008 0151 (or outside office hours0207 008 1500) or they can seek advice online at www.gov.uk/forced-marriage

Karma Nirvana (support for victims of honour crimes and forced marriages) – 08005 999 247 or www.karmanirvana.org.uk.

All Wales Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Helpline – 0808 80 10 800

For more information on the Britain’s Lost Women campaign visit http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/reports/a26498/remember-victims-honour-killings.

For more information on Honour Based Violence visit www.karmanirvana.org.uk.