National Day of Remembrance for Honour Based Abuse

It takes place every year on 14 July, a date inspired by the birthday of Shafilea Ahmed who was born in Bradford and murdered in Warrington by her parents in an 'honour-based' killing back in September 2003.

It was set up eight years ago by Karma Nirvana, a specialist charity for victims and survivors of Honour Based Abuse in the UK. The aim is to raise awareness about Honour Based Abuse, and to pay tribute those who have lost their lives.

'Honour-based’ abuse can affect men and women across all ages and a number of cultures and communities.

At least 12 murders each year in the UK are carried out in the name “honour” and thousands more people are abused by their families.

Honour Based Abuse is defined as ‘an incident or crime involving violence, threats of violence, intimidation, coercion or abuse (including psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse) which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of an individual, family and/ or community for alleged or perceived breaches of the family and/or community’s code of behaviour’.

There are a number of support networks throughout Derby and Derbyshire, and we want to make sure that people are aware of the ways in which they can report Honour Based Abuse.

Global innovator NTT Data, alongside the National Police Chief’s Council, have also recently announced a new Intelligent Safeguarding Solution which immediately delivers court issued force marriage and female genital mutilation protection orders to local police forces.

This is a huge stride in being able to protect potential victims as quickly as possible. You can read more about this here: Police to use technology to help safeguard against Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation | NTT DATA

Find out more about what honour-based abuse is, how you can report and what support services are available to you in Derbyshire here: What is honour-based abuse? | Derbyshire Constabulary

If you need help, please seek out that support. You are not alone.

Here are a few numbers for organisations you can call:

• Hadhari Nari: 01332 270101
• Derby Womens Centre: 01332 341633
• Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Service: 0800 0198668.
• Karma Nirvana: 08005999247
• Refuge 0808 2000247
• Halo 08081 788424

You can also report directly to Derbyshire police using any of the below methods, in confidence 24 hours a day:

• Facebook – send us a private message to our Facebook page
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Website – We have several crime reporting tools on our website or use our online contact form
• Phone – call us on 101