LET’S break the silence and make ‘honour’ killings history.
That’s the powerful message being sent out at a special event on Teesside next week as part of a national campaign.
Every year thousands of women in the UK fall victim to inter-family violence – with around 12 killed – for the supposed offence of compromising their families’ so-called ‘izzat’ or honour.
On Tuesday (July 14) the Halo Project Charity will be joined by a range of key partners at Teesside University to raise the awareness of honour-based violence and sign a charter calling for action.
The event is part of a national campaign, with July 14 marking the birth date of 17-year-old Shafilea Ahmed who was murdered by her parents in front of her sister in 2003 after she resisted a forced marriage.
The day will also be an opportunity to see short HBV films and a documentary and to find out what is happening locally to support victims.
Partners taking part in Tuesday’s event include Middlesbrough Council, the region’s police forces and Police and Crime Commissioners, Middlesbrough College, North Star Housing Group, Teesside University, Victim Support, Durham University, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Thirteen Group.
The Halo Project Charity has supported more 200 victims who have suffered honour-based violence and/or forced marriage.
The charity offers support for victims in a safe environment, while raising awareness of the services available to them.
They offer a support network through their ‘Circle of Friends’, with the aim of helping victims move on to a brighter future.
Halo Project spokeswoman Yasmin Khan said: “Thousands of women suffer from honour-based violence every year, with too many paying the ultimate price.
“We can only stamp out this abuse and murder by working together and breaking the silence, which is why this national day of remembrance and action is so important.
“It’s a demonstration of our commitment to making so-called ‘honour’ killings history, and to show our support for those who may be afraid to speak out against this appalling abuse of human rights
“The Halo Project is fully committed to handling every case with its focus firmly in the needs of each individual.”
For further information contact the Halo Project Charity on 01642 683045 or visit haloproject.org.uk