PCC Vera Baird and Northumbria Police support Day of Memory 2016
14th July 2016
On Thursday 14th July, Karma Nivarna, a UK charity that supports victims and survivors of Forced Marriage and Honour Based Abuse is hosting its second annual Day of Remembrance in Newcastle.
The day is supported by Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird; Karma Nirvana founder Jasvinder Sanghera CBE; and patron BBC Asian Network DJ Bobby Friction.
As part of the day, officers from Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Team will be attending a conference being held at The Castlegate in partnership with Safe Newcastle.
It’s an occasion to honour the memories of those affected by forced marriages and honour killings.
The event will feature a panel discussion with British survivors of Forced Marriages and Honour Based Abuse whose real life experiences describe how the realities of these experiences led to them escaping for their lives. They will share personal testimonies of rape, family abuse, abduction, attempted suicides albeit born and living in Britain.
Forced marriage and so-called honour based violence are an abuse of human rights and will not be tolerated.
Northumbria Police is proud to be supporting this day, raising awareness of this type of abuse and highlighting the support that’s available to victims.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird, said: “Forced marriage is no part of any religion, culture or tradition. It is wrong and it is a crime. Everyone is entitled to make their own choices, especially about with whom they spend their life as a partner. Every child of every household is entitled to make those decisions without suffering unbearable pressure, intimidation, abuse or violence. It’s so important that we come together today to remember those who have died and in their memory to raise awareness that people can safely speak out, because help is on hand and nobody needs to suffer in silence.”
DCI Deborah Alderson from Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department said: “Northumbria Police recognises the danger, risks and personal conflict associated with forced marriage and honour-based violence and we are committed to dealing effectively with any report of forced marriage whether it be from a victim directly or a third party. It’s so important that victims understand they will be listened to, their concerns will always be taken seriously and their views on what they want to happen will be followed.”
Advice for victims is available on the Northumbria Police website: http://www.northumbria.police.uk/advice_and_information/advice_for_victims_of_crime/forced_marriage/
Further information on Karma Nivarna is here: http://www.karmanirvana.org.uk/
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