Raising awareness of honour-based abuse and forced marriage

The Karma Nirvana Women’s Empowerment Roadshow was held in partnership with the Forced Marriage Unit, the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales, South Wales Police and BAWSO.

Karma Nirvana has been supported by the Department for Communities and Local Government to go on the road and invite communities to hear the stories of women when they are disowned and ostracised by their communities due to honour-based abuse and forced marriage. For the first time in Karma Nirvana’s history the Roadshows have targeted communities, as they aim to provide a wider and open discussion addressing this hidden and discrete abuse.

Forced Marriage became a criminal offence in England & Wales 2014. South Wales Police helped achieve the first successful conviction for forced marriage in the UK in June 2015.

Jasvinder Sanghera CBE, CEO of Karma Nirvana said:

“I am delighted that this year’s Roadshows have been dedicated to women’s empowerment, as the voices of survivors have to be at the forefront of any awareness raising. This year we have proactively sought the engagement of diverse communities including women’s refuges, community groups, faith leaders and survivors”.

Baroness Williams of Trafford said:

“Forced marriage and honour-based abuse are horrific crimes that leave women trapped and isolated from society.

“We have committed to funding projects that ensure women’s voices are heard and the work of these roadshows is truly inspiring.

“Karma Nirvana has a history of providing essential support to victims and we fully support this project, which will help women to overcome the barriers to embracing British values.”

The Roadshows will be completed just before the six weeks school holiday, when it’s the busiest time for Karma  Nirvana’s helpline.

Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales, Rt. Hon. Alun Michael, said

“I am working with the Chief Constable and with our partners to make sure that we do everything possible to end all forms of violence against women and girls in South Wales, including so-called ‘honour’ crimes and forced marriage.

“Our action plan to tackle violence against women and girls aims to improve identification while promoting a victim-centred approach and encouraging prevention, early intervention and prompt positive action. We cannot do it alone and we applaud the work of our partners, particularly Karma Nirvana and BAWSO, in seeking to eradicate these vile practices.

“That’s why we are funding and helping to deliver the Karma Nirvana Empowerment Roadshow in Cardiff, giving the communities of South Wales access to specialist advice and support, and a safe place in which to speak freely about these forms of abuse and violence.”

The Commissioner devlivered a key note address at the Roadshow, while Detective Superintendent Lian Penhale, Head of Public Protection for South Wales Police, chaired the event.

BAWSO, who have offices in Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, Caerphilly, Swansea and Wrexham and deliver specialist services to people from Black and Ethnic Minority (BME) backgrounds affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse, provided a local input.

Det. Supt. Lian Penhale said

“First and foremost this Roadshow is about helping our local communities to recognise that honour based violence and forced marriage is a crime, and to give community members the confidence to challenge this behaviour and to report it.

“The Roadshow also provides an opportunity for our officers and other professionals to develop their understanding of these horrifying forms of abuse, which helps ensure that we provide the very best service and support to victims of these crimes.”

The Commissioner’s Team and South Wales Police, thanks to a Welsh Government grant, has been able to commission Karma Nirvana to deliver Honour-based Violence Training. Over 120 South Wales Police officers have benefitted from this learning to date.