National TV programme, Crimewatch Live, has featured Savera UK in its most recent series.

Presented live by Rav Wilding and Michelle Ackerley the programme issues appeals for unsolved cases and also features short films on organisations and initiatives dealing with specific issues across the UK.

The episode, broadcast live on Monday 16th September, featured a five-minute film narrated by Savera UK CEO and Founder, Afrah Qassim, explaining why she established the charity and the work that it does.

The film also featured a reconstruction of the story of Savera UK client Leah*, who is a survivor of forced marriage and ‘honour’-based abuse. Leah was interviewed for the film, sharing her story and explaining how Savera UK helped her.

Afrah Qassim said: “Many people across the UK are not aware of the issue of ‘honour’-based abuse and other harmful practices, so we are very pleased that a national programme like Crimewatch Live was willing to highlight these crimes to such a broad audience.

“I would especially like to thank our client for bravely speaking about their experience, as I believe that her story may provide hope for a better future for others who are in a similar situation. 

“HBA and harmful practices can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality or ethnicity, and Savera UK will always be here to help anyone who is a survivor, at risk or under threat of these forms of abuse.”

Crimewatch Live is broadcast on BBC One at 10am every weekday from 2nd– 20th October. The programme is also available on i-Player for 7 days. A clip of the Crimewatch Live film is available for media, on request.

If you or someone you know is at risk please call our national helpline  0800 107 0726 (weekdays 10am-4pm), use our online referral form, or if you are in immediate danger call 999. If you are professional and would like to make a referral, please visit: https://www.saverauk.co.uk/referral-pathways/