As 2024 comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on a year filled with challenges, growth, and hope. On a personal level, the year began with difficulties that tested my family and me. Many friends and colleagues faced similar struggles, yet we were fortunate to have the support of loved ones who stood by us during trying times.

However, at times like this my thoughts often turn to the people we work directly with.  Those who are not as fortunate, who are forced to leave abusive environments and face overwhelming challenges alone, without the comfort of a loved one’s hug or the warmth of a supportive home.

As we rush to celebrate the festive season with family and friends, let’s take a moment to remember those who cannot. Share a hug, a smile, or a kind word whenever you can it might mean the world to someone.

Stronger Together

This year also brought significant local, national, and international challenges. Across the UK, riots erupted after the tragic knife attack in Southport, where three innocent children: Bebe King (6), Elsie Dot Stancombe (7), and Alice da Silva Aguiar (9) lost their lives. These riots were fuelled by false claims from far-right groups accusing the perpetrator of being a Muslim asylum seeker. This misinformation incited hatred, creating fear among many of our clients and even among some of our staff, who were at risk due to their backgrounds.

Despite this, our team demonstrated extraordinary bravery in continuing to support clients, even as we made the difficult decision to close temporarily for everyone’s safety. We were also comforted by the response from communities, here in Merseyside and in towns and cities around the country, where people came together to stand against hatred and defend those at risk, demonstrating how we are always stronger together.

The fight for basic human rights

Globally, women continued to bear the brunt of violence and systemic injustice. Examples include the Iraqi government’s intention to reduce the marriage age from 18 to nine years old, Iran’s imprisonment and torture of women demanding education and freedom, and similar abuse seen in Afghanistan and other places where human rights continue to not be considered. Along with those living in war zones, where women and children remain the most vulnerable, enduring unspeakable violence and abuse, these injustices continue to underscore the persistent fight for basic human rights.

Despite the challenges, 2024 did also see some steps forward. In Colombia, child marriage was banned, a positive sign for children’s rights, and in the UK, there was a landmark conviction for conspiring to commit female genital mutilation (FGM), highlighting the country’s commitment to ending ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices.

The power of community

At Savera UK, we have also seen the power of community engagement and collaboration to drive positive change. This year, our International Women’s Day event welcomed over 200 women from diverse backgrounds to celebrate achievements and raise awareness of the inequalities women still face.

We expanded our work in partnership with the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner, leading to a 400 per cent increase in referrals in our first year. This collaboration has reinforced what we’ve always known: HBA and harmful practices can occur anywhere, and we must remain vigilant, and we must work collaboratively to identify and end these practices for good.

Throughout the year we have also worked with sector partners from across the UK, campaigning for a statutory definition for ‘honour’-based abuse, which would help to improve identification and responses to HBA and harmful practices.

Our ongoing partnership with the University of Liverpool this year also resulted in the publication of our second research paper, which has gained recognition both nationally and internationally.

Gratitude and Growth

I am incredibly proud of Savera UK’s growth this year. Our team has expanded, demonstrating the increasing need for our work. This progress would not have been possible without the passion, commitment, and dedication of our staff, the leadership of our Board of Trustees, and the unwavering support of our volunteers, funders, commissioners, and donors.

You don’t just provide time or funding, you believe in our mission, and that belief inspires us every day.

As we move into 2025, let us carry forward the lessons of this year: the importance of community, the need to stand together in the face of adversity, and the power of compassion.

Wishing everyone a safe and joyful festive season. Never be afraid to ask for help when you need it and let us continue to work together and be that voice for each other in the year ahead.

Best wishes for 2025,

Afrah Qassim,

Savera UK CEO & Founder

This week at Coventry Crown Court, Tai and Naiyahmi Yasharahyala were jailed for causing the death of their son, three-year-old Abiyah Yasharahyalah. 

Tai Yasharahyalah was jailed for 24-and-a-half years and Naiyahmi Yasharahyalah was given 19-and-a-half years.

The body of Abiyah was found buried in a garden in Handsworth in Birmingham in December 2022, ten months after his parents had been evicted from the property. Analysis of his skeleton showed that when he was alive he was severely malnourished and had rickets, anaemia as well as dental disease and was abnormally small with broken and deformed bones.

A trial at Coventry Crown Court heard that the Yasharahyalahs had been motivated by a belief system that included a restrictive vegan diet and a desire to avoid unwanted attention and had opted out of mainstream society. The prosecution stated that the pair were prepared to allow their child to “suffer the consequences” of these decisions.

During the trial it was heard that: “The pair did not call the emergency services after Abiyah died because strangers could scare off spirits. Instead, they lit a paraffin lamp in the room near him as a beacon, in case his spirit wished to return to his body.”

His parents kept the boy’s body in their bed for several days after his death in the hope he would be reincarnated following a burial ritual. They embalmed him with frankincense and myrrh before burying him in their garden without informing authorities. Tai Yasharahyalah said in his Igbo culture it was believed every person had a physical and spiritual form, the latter of which could be saved.

Mr Justice Wall said the couple cared more about their beliefs than the welfare of their child.

He said: “Your motivation for acting as you did was your prioritisation of your distorted system of beliefs over their welfare. You were prepared to live with any consequences which flowed from your adherence to these beliefs, including the disability or death of the children.”

Savera UK CEO and Founder, Afrah Qassim, said: “The facts of this case bear the hallmarks of spiritual abuse, which is a form of harmful practice.

“Spiritual abuse is a form of emotional and psychological abuse. It is characterised by a systematic pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour in a religious context, with components including the misuse or misinterpretation of doctrine or beliefs and exclusion and isolation, all of which are present in this extremely harrowing case. 

“Abiyah was an innocent child who had no way of seeking help. He was harmed by the people who should have protected him and sought help for him, regardless of their belief system.

“As a society we need to prioritise education and learning around how we recognise this risk of harm, and have the confidence to report it. Faith and spirituality when operating with a healthy culture provide a vital service to their communities, but if they are used to excuse harm caused to others, it is nothing but abuse and a violation of human rights.”

Image: West Midlands Police

As the 16 Days Of Activism continue, we’re exploring the theme of advocacy. Anyone who writes about or broadcasts stories about the issues of HBA and harmful practices, has the potential to be a powerful advocate for survivors of these practices by amplifying their voices and raising awareness.

A project delivered by Savera UK in 2022 showed that survivors don’t always feel safe sharing their stories and experiences, nor do they feel that the media represents their stories and communities well.

The “Setting the Story Straight” project, funded by the Lloyds Bank Foundation Small Change Fund, examined how ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage – were represented in the media.

Identifying Challenges

The aim of the project was to identify the challenges survivors faced in speaking to the media, and develop guidelines that would help the media and anyone working with and communicating the stories of survivors to be better advocates.

A survey of survivors, conducted as part of the project, found that:

• 55% disagreed or strongly disagreed that they saw people like them, with shared experiences of HBA and harmful practice, represented in UK media
• 82% felt that the UK media DID NOT do a good job of representing survivors of HBA and harmful practices
• 64% felt the media DID NOT do a good job of representing these issues or affected communities
• 55% said they WOULD agree to be interviewed by a journalist as they felt it was important to raise awareness, but those who said they would not be interview cited lack of trust and security

Of those survivors who responded:

• 45% HAD previously been interviewed by a journalist
• 60% of those felt their interviewer DIDN’T have a good understanding of HBA and harmful practices or the impact that sharing their story would have on them

A survey of frontline professionals working with survivors and those at risk of HBA and harmful practices found that:

• 92% thought that representation of people and communities affected by HBA and harmful practices was inaccurate
• Only 4% of professionals believed that UK journalists were well equipped to identify people at risk or seek or signpost to help (58% disagreed or strongly disagreed)

Better advocates

Using this feedback from survivors, people in at-risk communities, frontline professionals and journalists, Savera UK created a set of guidelines for the media, to help them to be better advocates for survivors and report more accurately on the issues of HBA and harmful practices.

The guidelines provide tips on writing about HBA and harmful practices, including correct use of language and terminology, and best practice in working with survivors, from making contact, through the interview process to post-interview aftercare.

The campaign culminated in a webinar (which can be viewed here) in which the results of the were shared and discussed by a panel of professionals, survivors and journalists, including survivors and campaigners, Khatra Paterson, Zuleika Sassa and Saliha Rashid; radio presenter, producer and journalist, Ngunan Adamu, women’s correspondent at The Independent, Maya Oppenheim, and CEO & Founder of Savera UK, Afrah Qassim.

Since their launch, the guidelines have been included in the external resources section of the website of IPSO, the independent regulator for the UK print and digital news industry.

You can view the full guidelines here: https://www.saverauk.co.uk/hba-media-guidelines/ 

On Saturday 23rd November, Savera UK “marched” on Liverpool’s waterfront into the Museum of Liverpool, to raise awareness of HBA and harmful practices in the region, alongside partners including Zonta UK and Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

Originally planned to take place in the city centre, Storm Bert saw the event relocated to an indoor venue, with the Museum of Liverpool – a designated “Museum of Sanctuary” – kindly opening its doors to host the event at very short notice due to the poor weather. 

HBA and Harmful Practices Happen Here

The event intended to raise awareness and generate greater understanding around ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices including forced marriage, conversion ‘therapy’ and virginity testing among the general public.

Many believe that such practices do not happen here in the UK, or that they are rare and limited to particular areas and communities. Savera UK’s own data, however, suggests that this is not the case and that HBA and harmful practices do happen here. 

Recent data published by the Home Office showed an 8 percent decrease in ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA)-related offences reported by police. In the same year Savera UK has seen a 36 per cent increase in HBA referrals into its service, highlighting problems around understanding and recognition of these issues,  reporting and recording of HBA-related offences and incidents and the ‘hidden’ nature of these practices.

Breaking the Silence

The theme of the event was ‘break the silence’ and a short break in the heavy rain allowed Katumba Movement & Drumming to do just that, performing a loud, powerful and unifying march, with representatives from Savera UK, Savera UK Youth Collective and Zonta UK, and Merseyside PCC, Emily Spurrell leading with banners and placards.

Supporters attending the event, including volunteers from GoodGym Liverpool and the East African Society from the University of Liverpool joined the march, carrying placards and some signs created by Savera UK’s clients. They and unsuspecting passers-by visiting the museum were welcomed into the venue’s atrium by Wavertree Community Gospel Choir singing a moving rendition of Something Inside So Strong.

The event was opened by Savera UK Chair, Aislinn O’Dwyer, who welcomed guests and introduced the charity’s work. She also highlighted that the event was being held ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls and the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence and abuse, also known as the UN “Orange the World” campaign.

Although Savera UK supports people of all genders, the majority of its clients are women. During the 16 Days of Activism it seeks to shine a light on the issues of HBA and harmful practices and the importance of understanding how to recognise them, call them out and how professional responses need to differ from more general forms of domestic violence and abuse.

Matt Exley, Participation Producer at National Museums Liverpool, then welcomed Savera UK to the museum and highlighted the museum’s honour and duty to provide a platform for important issues and the voices of the people who live and work in the city.

Be the voice

In an emotional speech about the importance of the event, Savera UK CEO and Founder, Afrah Qassim, said: “Let us be the voice for those who are not able to speak for themselves or who live in places where freedom is not a choice. 

“Let us remember and stand for those who have been killed or murdered, fighting for their rights, for choice, resistance and freedom. Let us together break the silence and not be afraid to challenge abusive behaviour no matter who the perpetrators are or what status they hold, because abuse has no excuse and can not be justified.”

Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, spoke passionately about her work with Savera UK and her wider work tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the region. Ahead of the event she had also reflected on the latest HBA statistics and said: “It is critical that survivors and those at risk of HBA and harmful practices get the right support and care when they do seek help.  I’m proud to have worked with Savera UK since taking office to provide that life-changing help for those who are at risk or have been subjected to or affected by harmful practices.

“The most recent statistics show there is still a long way to go in raising awareness of ‘honour’-based abuse and ensuring every survivor or person at risk has the confidence to report an incident. While we have seen significant increases in reports in recent years, it is disappointing this has not continued over the past year. It means more people are suffering in silence. 

“These figures show how vital it is that we continue to invest in education, particularly among our young people, if we are to tackle these issues and empower people to speak out.”

Solidarity and support

Kim Johnson MP, who was due to speak at the event but was unable to attend because of illness sent a message of solidarity and support. The speeches were then rounded off by Dianne Jeans, Area Director for Zonta UK, which is part of an international organisation which works with the UN globally to address all forms of violence against women. 

Dianne said: “Violence against women and girls remains the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violation in the world. In many societies it is an unfortunate daily experience for women and girls. 

“In the UK it is being called a national emergency. Violence is happening at all levels, in all areas of our society. The time for all of us to act – men and women together is now.”

Powerful survivor testimonies

Aislinn then invited Macy, Phoebe and Merfat from Savera UK’s team to read the real stories of three of Savera UK’s clients and how they found their ‘savera’ or ‘new beginning’ through the organisation. You can watch a video of one, Samia’s story, here.

The powerful survivor testimonies had a profound effect on those listening, as they learned about the realities of HBA, forced marriage and FGM and the strength and help that is needed to flee abusive environments.

After the survivor stories, Savera UK Youth Collective Board member, Anushka, read Invisible Victims which she wrote as part of the youth’s campaigning and education work. You can watch Anushka’s reading here.

The poem was followed by a two minute silence in memory of all those lost to ‘honour’ based abuse and harmful practices, including some of those who were represented on placards carried by attendees, whose stories can be read here.

Wavertree Community Gospel Choir then broke the silence once again, performing joyful and uplifting versions of Put a Little Love in Your Heart and Shackles, getting the audience dancing and singing along, in a show of unity and a reminder that culture is beautiful and no excuse for abuse.

Extending the reach

Awareness-raising continued with the Liverpool Echo, Greatest Hits Radio (Liverpool) and BBC North West Tonight covering the event and extending the reach of its message even further.

On Monday 25th November, Savera UK hosted a stall at Merseyside PCC’s information event at Lime Street Station, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. Alongside other services in Liverpool, including RASA, SARAC (Sexual Abuse Rape Advice Centre), the Police Prevention Team, and Soroptimist International Liverpool, Savera UK distributed information on the charity and the issues that it works to end.

Later that evening, Savera UK and the Savera UK Youth Collective also attended the Vigil for Liverpool’s Lost Women, an event focused on remembering those women from the city region lost to male violence. 

Malcolm, Hannah and Laura read A New Dawn by Daisy Serem-Esinapwaka while members of the team held placards reading “End FGM”, “End Forced Marriage”, ”End Child Marriage” and “End Human Rights Violations” to cement the important message.

Our work to raise awareness will continue throughout the 16 Days of Activism, which run until 10th December, including a takeover of Merseyside PCC’s social channels on Saturday 30th November. Stay tuned to our socials @SaveraUK and sign up to our newsletter here for news, updates and future events and initiatives.

Photos and video by Kristian Lawrence

A Merseyside-based national charity that helps people at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices like FGM and forced marriage has warned that HBA remains a local issue, despite a decrease in reports of HBA-related offences by police.

Data published by the Home Office last week has shown a 25 percent decrease in ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA)-related offences reported by police in Merseyside in the year ending March 2024, and an eight percent decrease nationally.

However, in the same year Savera UK has seen a 36 per cent increase in HBA referrals into its service.

To raise awareness and visibility of these issues the charity will march through Liverpool city centre, from Williamson Square to Derby Square, on Saturday 23^rd November, for its annual “March to End HBA”.

The march will start at 12 noon and be led by Savera UK, Zonta UK and Katumba Drumming & Movement, to break the silence around HBA and harmful practices. At Derby Square there will be speeches from Kim Johnson MP, Merseyside PCC, Emily Spurrell, Dianne Jeans from Zonta UK and Afrah Qassim, CEO and Founder of Savera UK. Survivor stories will be read, there will be performances from Savera UK Youth and an uplifting finale performed by Wavertree Community Gospel Choir.

Speaking of the latest HBA data, Savera UK CEO and Founder, Afrah Qassim, said: “While a decrease in reports of HBA-offences appears positive, for us as a frontline grassroots organisation, the latest data is deeply concerning and there has never been a greater need for us to work to raise awareness.

“What is being reported by police contradicts what we are seeing on the ground, which is actually increasing referrals for HBA and harmful practices such as FGM and forced marriage. HBA remains a local issue that happens here and can affect anyone.

“We believe that the decrease may be indicative of challenges such as fear or reluctance to report HBA offences to police out of fear for reprisal or consequences; the fear of not being believed or the issues not being understood, or the high risk of harm that is characteristic of HBA and harmful practices not being recognised.

“While there have been considerable improvements, today’s data suggests that there is still a lack of understanding and education around HBA and harmful practices that are impacting identification, response and reporting by the police and other statutory services.

“Through our partnership with Merseyside PCC as a commissioned service over the past six years we have been able to help and empower police and other professionals to better identify cases of HBA and respond appropriately, which has been reflected in the number of cases being identified in Merseyside and referrals into our services, but there is still work to be done.

“Fear and reluctance to report HBA offences needs to be addressed by well-funded community engagement led by specialist organisations in this field, to break down those barriers.

“Further training and education are also needed to help police and other professionals better identify, respond to and record HBA offences.  The disparity in police data and what specialist services are seeing also raises a question mark over if current recording systems are fit for purpose.

“Despite the decrease in reports revealed in the latest data, we know that what is reported and even what we see on the frontline is only the tip of the iceberg. We are fortunate to work in partnership with Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner and welcome her commitment to improving responses locally, as well as contributing to our mission to end HBA and harmful practices for good.

“We invite everyone to join us on Saturday 23^rd November to March to End HBA and break the silence around these issues.”

The latest data also revealed a 14% decrease in reports of HBA incidents in Merseyside, which refer to incidents reported to the police that following investigation do not amount to an offence, according to the National Crime Recording Standard.

Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “’Honour’-based abuse and harmful practices are among the most complex, multi-faceted and sensitive of crimes.

“Survivors, people at risk and witnesses are understandably often very reluctant to come forward, particularly when crimes are perpetrated by their own families. By doing so, they risk sacrificing their most precious relationships.

“That makes it critical that survivors and those at risk get the right support and care when they do seek help.  I’m proud to have worked with Savera UK since taking office to provide that life-changing help for those who are at risk or have been subjected to or affected by harmful practices.

“But today’s statistics show there is still a long way to go in raising awareness of ‘honour’-based abuse and ensuring every survivor or person at risk has the confidence to report an incident.

“While we have seen significant increases in reports in recent years, it is disappointing this has not continued over the past year. It means more people are suffering in silence.

“These figures show how vital it is we continue to invest in education, particularly among our young people, if we are to tackle these issues and empower people to speak out.

“Crucially, it’s also about raising awareness on a broader level. We need everyone who may come into contact with a survivor or person at risk of harmful practices – whether that be through policing, health services, education or voluntary services – to know how to spot the warning signs and to signpost to the right services because there may only be one chance to save or change a life.”

Although HBA offences reported were down overall nationally the number of FGM offences increased slightly to 111 this year (vs 86 in 2022/23), as were forced marriage offences, which increased to 201 this year (vs 173 in 2022/23).

Dianne Jeans, Area Director for Zonta UK, added: “Zonta UK is proud to once again be partnering with Savera UK to raise awareness of HBA and harmful practices.

“Zontians are travelling from London, from Scotland and from Ireland to join the March on Saturday 23 November. Zonta is an international organisation which works with the UN globally to address all forms of violence against women.

“Violence against women and girls remains the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violation in the world. In many societies it is an unfortunate daily experience for women and girls. In the UK it is being called a national emergency. Violence is happening at all levels, in all areas of our society. The time for all of us to act – men and women together is now.”

Image: Savera UK March to End HBA 2023 – Andrew AB Photography

Data released today (November 7th 2024) by the Home Office has revealed an eight percent decrease in ‘honour-based’ abuse (HBA) offences reported to police in the year ending March 2024.

The publication recorded 2,755 HBA-related offences reported by the police in England and Wales, which is down from 3,008 recorded to the year ending March 2023. Although HBA offences reported were down overall the number of FGM offences increased slightly to 111 this year (vs 86 in 2022/23), as were forced marriage offences, which increased to 201 this year (vs 173 in 2022/23).

Responding to an initial review of the annual data, Savera UK CEO and founder, Afrah Qassim, said: “The data published by the Home Office today on reports for HBA offences in 2023/24 is deeply concerning. 

“What is being reported by police contradicts what we as a grassroots specialist service are seeing on the ground – increasing referrals for HBA and harmful practices such as FGM and forced marriage.

“In the same time period as this report, Savera UK saw a 36 per cent increase in referrals into our service. This lack of alignment between the patterns we are observing suggests a number of underlying challenges.

“One is a persisting reluctance for people at risk or those concerned about others to report HBA offences to police. This may be out of fear for reprisal or consequences, which needs to be addressed by well-funded community engagement led by specialist organisations in this field. It may also be the fear of not being believed, the issues not being understood, or the high risk of harm that is characteristic of HBA and harmful practices not being recognised. 

“The ability to differentiate between HBA and other forms of domestic violence, and respond appropriately, is a challenge that has been reported by professionals through our engagement and training provision.

“In recent years we have seen an improvement in identification of and response to HBA offences by police and other statutory services, however today’s data suggests that there is still a lack of understanding and education. As a result HBA offences may be slipping through the gaps due to cases not being properly identified, or if they are, properly recorded.

“A statutory definition for HBA, which our sector has repeatedly called for, would greatly improve identification, offer better protection for people at risk and improve data collection which would create better understanding of HBA and allow us to work more effectively to end it for good. For the same reason, a mechanism for all agencies and services to centrally report incidents of HBA could enormously improve data collection and research. The disparity in police data and what specialist services are seeing really does raise a question mark over if current recording systems are fit for purpose.

“Despite the decrease in reports revealed in today’s data, we know that what is reported and even what we see on the front line is only the tip of the iceberg. We will continue to work with the government, statutory and voluntary services and communities to end HBA and harmful practices for good.”