Today (14th July) is the National Day of Remembrance for victims of honour based abuse. The Day of Memory was inspired by Bradford-born Shafilea Ahmed who was murdered by her parents in 2003 after suffering years of abuse for becoming ‘too westernised’. There are an estimated 12 honour killings each year in the UK although the exact number is unknown.

Help is available for anyone in Warwickshire at risk of honour based abuse or forced marriage.

If you or someone you know is, or is at risk of becoming, a victim of Honour Based Abuse or Forced Marriage, contact Warwickshire Police on 101. In an emergency call 999.

For confidential, non-judgemental and independent support in Warwickshire, call Refuge – Warwickshire Domestic Violence Service on 0800 408 1552. If you are not able to call, please email DVSW@refuge.org.uk

In addition to the local support available, the following regional and national helplines can also provide help and advice to Warwickshire residents.

West Midlands Forced Marriage and Honour Based Abuse 24 Hour Free Helpline: 0800 953 9777

National Forced Marriage Unit: +44 (0)20 7008 0151, email fmu@fco.gov.uk or visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/forced-marriage

Further information about honour based abuse, forced marriage and the closely related issue of female genital mutilation (FGM), including downloadable posters, can be found at https://safeinwarwickshire.com/harmfulpractices/