Tag: afrah qassim

A title image which reads 'Savera UK study reveals core elements of 'honour'-based abuse in the UK

Savera UK study reveals core elements of ‘honour’-based abuse in the UK

Emotional/psychological abuse and coercive control has been identified as the most common characteristic of ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices, in new research conducted by the University of Liverpool and Savera UK.

The research ‘Honour’-based abuse: A descriptive study of survivor, perpetrator, and abuse characteristics[1], published last month in the Journal of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling, examines survivor, perpetrator, and abuse characteristics in anonymised cases of HBA and harmful practices such as forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), provided by Savera UK.

Much information on HBA currently available is based on self-reporting and exploration of individuals’ lived experience, meaning baseline data to help better understand the issues is limited. The study was instigated by Savera UK to fill this gap, working in partnership with the University of Liverpool and using the charity’s own data to identify base rates of survivor, perpetrator, and abuse characteristics.

Of 66 abuse characteristics identified by researchers, the study highlighted that a case of HBA would usually present with around 14 of these characteristics.

Emotional/psychological abuse and coercive control, specific family cultural traditions, gender-based socialisation and physical violence were found to be present in 90% of coded cases, suggesting these to be core elements of HBA in the UK.

Abuse characteristics associated with survivors that are usually highly linked to cases of HBA, such as exploration of identity or sexuality, were present less frequently than expected. For example, premarital sex, which features highly in literature about HBA based on self-reported data and survivor stories, was only present in 20 cases.

This study was able to explore broader and subtler forms of abuse, as the data reflected not only survivor experiences, but also the professional judgement of Savera UK support staff specialising in this field.

It also highlighted overlaps between HBA and domestic abuse, as well as clear separating markers, such as the presence of multiple perpetrators, specific family cultural traditions and community influencing the perpetrator(s).

In its examination of survivor characteristics, the study found that almost half (41.4%) held UK citizenship, 27.8% asylum seekers and 18.1% had limited or indefinite leave to remain. The majority were Muslim (74.8%) but Christianity was the second most prevalent religion among survivors with (14.2%).

Almost two thirds of cases had multiple perpetrators (63.1%) and all involved male perpetrators, with additional female perpetrators in 36.4% of cases. However, no cases involved a sole female perpetrators.

Speaking of Savera UK’s first-ever research paper, Afrah Qassim, CEO and Founder of the charity, said: “The lack of data around HBA and harmful practices has always been a challenge for organisations like Savera UK that support survivors and those at risk.

“When we established the charity in 2010 many local authorities told us there was no need for our service because there was no data indicating that HBA was an issue. Since then we have worked to uncover these hidden practices and demand for our service has increased by more than 1,000 per cent between 2016 and 2022.”

“This baseline data is vitally important and a starting point to allow better understanding of the prevalence of different abuse characteristics and improved insight into HBA in the UK. This information will help frontline workers like police officers and social workers to more easily identify and support survivors and those at risk, develop specialist HBA risk assessment tools, improve prevention strategies and inform where further research is urgently needed to help tackle these issues.”

Professor Louise Almond, from the University of Liverpool, said: “This base rate study highlights the wide range of abuse suffered by ‘honour’-based abuse survivors. What was most surprising was the low prevalence of characteristics that have been previously linked with ‘honour’ based abuse in Western media. Our study reflects a potentially different “reality” for these survivors, one which is more nuanced than maybe the public and/or statutory agencies realise”

To read the full paper visit: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jip.1602

[1]  K.Ridley, L.Almond, N.Bafouni, A.Qassim (2022) ‘Honour’-based abuse: A descriptive study of survivor, perpetrator, and abuse characteristics, Journal of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jip.1602

The High Sheriff of Merseyside

Savera UK Meets The High Sheriff of Merseyside

On Friday 23rd September, clients, and staff members from Savera UK met with the High Sheriff of Merseyside, Ms Lesley Martin-Wright JP DL to discuss the charity’s work, challenges, and upcoming campaigns.

The Office of High Sheriff is an independent, non-political Royal appointment that lasts for one year. Ms Martin-Wright was installed in office in April 2022 and at her installation, she made three pledges that outlined her key priorities – to work with young people to help them achieve their potential, to support mental health and wellbeing and to offer advice and support around domestic abuse.

The High Sheriff, who also sits on the board of Savera UK Funder P H Holt, instigated the meeting to support work on her priorities while in office, learn more about what Savera UK does and find ways to help us continue our work.

At the meeting, the High Sheriff heard from Savera UK clients, who shared how the service had helped them through both practical and emotional support, and from Malcolm, a member of the Savera UK Youth Advisory Board, who explained how the charity supports young people to educate their peers about ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices, while also allowing them to develop valuable skills.

CEO and Founder, Afrah Qassim and Chair of Savera UK’s Board, Aislinn O’Dwyer also explained the origins of Savera UK and highlighted the ongoing need for a specialist service in Merseyside tackling culturally specific abuse and harmful practices including forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).

“When we were first established in 2010 there was nothing at all that addressed this issue,” Afrah said. “Cases of HBA and other harmful practices were being recorded as general domestic abuse and survivors and those at risk weren’t getting the specialist support they needed.”

More than a decade on, in 2021/22, Savera UK supported 136 new referrals into the service, who were either survivors of or at risk of HBA, and a total of 202 active clients. However, the team knows that these numbers are still only the tip of the iceberg.

While understanding of HBA and harmful practices has increased, Savera UK’s support team – who work with statutory and voluntary services to support and advocate for its clients – still face significant challenges, describing the service as “a small river flowing through a glacier, chipping away to break down barriers” – citing barriers including lack of understanding, lack of education and fear.

Drawing on 30 years’ sitting as a magistrate, the High Sheriff shared her experiences of hearing the cases of those affected by domestic violence and recognised the unique challenges faced by those affected by HBA and harmful practices, and barriers that people from diverse backgrounds may face in accessing the justice system.

Ms Martin-Wright said: “In my role as High Sheriff I meet with many charities and voluntary organisations who do tremendous work in Merseyside and Savera UK is no exception. It tackles extremely challenging issues with compassion and strength and gives support and hope to some of our region’s most vulnerable people.

“It was an honour to meet some of its beneficiaries, the team that support them and those who are creating campaigns to raise awareness and change attitudes in our communities. I look forward to supporting and raising awareness of Savera UK in its work for the rest of my term and beyond.”

The Savera UK team also looks forward to working with the High Sheriff and thanks her for her time in coming to visit our service and meet our team and clients.

Text against a plain background which reads 'statement'

Savera UK statement following death of Mahsa Amini

Savera UK, a charity that advocates for and supports those at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse and other harmful practices, has released a statement following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini.

Mahsa was Kurdish woman from Saqez who was arrested while visiting Tehran, Iran, for reportedly violating a law requiring women to cover their hair with a hijab and their arms and legs with loose clothing.

She collapsed after being taken to a detention centre and died on Friday, 16th September. Witnesses report seeing Mahsa being beaten with a baton, however police deny mistreatment and said she suffered “sudden heart failure”.

Mahsa’s death sparked outcry across the country and in the following days videos of people removing their hijabs and cutting their hair as an act of defiance were shared. Protests in Iran have since resulted in 41 deaths officially reported, although human rights groups claim the true death toll to be much higher.

Savera UK Founder and CEO, Afrah Qassim, said: “Everyone, regardless of age, culture, sexuality or gender should be free to exercise their basic human rights. Savera UK stands with those in Iran who are currently fighting to secure these rights in the wake of Mahsa’s death.

“The reports of violent treatment against women by the morality police amid the enforcement of hijab rules is something we as an organisation condemn, along with the reported disproportionate use of force towards protesters.

“Culturally-specific harmful practices are rooted in societies based on patriarchal ideologies and at their heart lies gender inequality. Everyone has the right to bodily autonomy and the decision to wear a hijab is an individual’s own choice, concerning no one else.

“Our thoughts remain with Mahsa’s family and those who have been affected by her death.

“Let us be the generation that ends harmful practices.”

If you, or someone you know, is affected by culturally-specific harmful practices in the UK, you can contact Savera UK’s helpline on 0800 107 0726 on weekdays between 10am and 4pm.

Savera UK Celebrity Ambassador Sunetra Sarker on ITV's The Chase

Savera UK Ambassador Sunetra Sarker donates thousands on ITV’s The Chase

Savera UK Celebrity Ambassador Sunetra Sarker on ITV's The Chase
Savera UK Celebrity Ambassador Sunetra Sarker on ITV’s The Chase

Savera UK’s celebrity ambassador Sunetra Sarker is donating thousands to the charity after winning big on ITV’s The Chase.

Sunetra, known for her roles in BBC One’s Casualty and Channel 4’s Ackley Bridge, appeared on the celebrity edition of the popular quiz show on Sunday, 28th August.

She was joined by contestants Matty Lee, David Arnold and Basil Brush, and took back £5,000 in the cash builder round before facing chaser Darragh Ennis. The team together beat the chaser, winning £19,000 to be split between their chosen charities; Savera UK, CARE International UK, MIND Charity and Marie Curie UK.

The Liverpool-born actress became an ambassador for Savera UK in January 2020 having learnt more about harmful practices while filming an episode of Casualty focusing on the topic of female genital mutilation (FGM). She has supported the charity’s Speak Out Campaign and helped raise awareness of ‘honour’-based abuse other harmful practices, including forced marriage.

Sunetra said: “Savera UK is such an important organisation doing vital work to support people affected by ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices like forced marriage and female genital mutilation, and to educate people about these practices and how they are an abuse of human rights.

“I am proud to have represented the charity on ITV’s The Chase and incredibly happy to have raised £4,750 to support them in their mission to end HBA and harmful practices for good.”

Savera UK Founder and CEO, Afrah Qassim, said: “We’re immensely thankful to our ambassador, Sunetra Sarker, for donating her winnings from The Chase to Savera UK.  This money is going to make a real difference.”

“This money will help Savera UK continue its charitable work supporting survivors in rebuilding their lives with emotional and practical support, helping them to gain economic independence and move forward into their future with confidence while we also campaign to end these horrific practices.”

If you are at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse or harmful practices, or would like some advice for someone else, you can call our confidential helpline on 0800 107 0726 (operates weekdays 10am – 4pm).

Savera UK receives free connectivity from Vodafone to help tackle digital exclusion

Savera UK will be using free connectivity, via Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative, to tackle digital exclusion among those at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices. These practices are often perpetrated by family and community members meaning survivors and those at risk are often left isolated.

By being able to use free connectivity as part of the initiative, survivors and those at risk will be able to easily access support from Savera UK and other services. This free connectivity can also act as a lifeline for those whose risk continues to be ongoing, such as for those seeking to flee abusive environments. The initiative is set to benefit 50 people across Merseyside and Cheshire.

Afrah Qassim, Founder and CEO of Savera UK, said: “During the pandemic those in abusive environments were reliant on digital connectivity to access much-needed support systems such as Savera UK. This brought to the forefront of our minds the importance of providing those at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse and other harmful practices the ability to reach out for support digitally.

“We would like to thank Vodafone and those involved in the charities.connected initiative for providing free connectivity via SIM cards for our clients and helping us continue to provide vital support for those at risk.”

Emma Reynolds, Head of Communications, Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs at Vodafone UK said: “We are committed to tackling digital exclusion.  We hope that by providing free connectivity to Savera UK and the other amazing charities across the UK who have such an enormous impact on their local communities, we can help create a more inclusive digital society.  We urge any organisation who thinks they can benefit to apply online and look forward to hearing how this connectivity has helped.”

Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative is part of its commitment to tackle digital exclusion and connect one million people by the end of 2022.

Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative is open to any registered charity that would benefit from free connectivity, either to improve its digital capability, extend its services or help the individuals and families it supports get online. Registered charities can apply for the free connectivity, in the form of SIM cards with 20GB data a month, plus free calls and texts, for six months here.

Savera UK pays tribute to those lost to ‘honour’-based abuse and violence

Yesterday (Thursday, 14th July) Savera UK staff and supporters gathered in Liverpool city centre to remember those lost in the name of ‘honour’ during a ribbon-tying ceremony on the national Day of Memory.

The Day of Memory takes place on Warrington teenager Shafilea Ahmed’s birthday. In 2003 17-year-old Shafilea was murdered by her parents for refusing a forced marriage, and becoming ‘too westernised’ in the eyes of her family and community.

Savera UK was joined by speakers who discussed the importance of looking working to eradicate ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices so we can look ahead to a brighter future for survivors. Savera UK welcomed Asylum Link Choir, who performed during the event at Pier Head.

Asylum Link Choir perform at Savera UK’s remembrance event as (left to right) Savera UK Chair Aislinn O’Dwyer, Savera UK CEO Afrah Qassim and Chief Superintendent of Merseyside Police, Ngaire Waine, look on

Savera UK Chair Aislinn O’Dwyer chaired the event, and highlighted the importance of partnership working with institutions such as Merseyside Police, before introducing Chief Superintendent Ngaire Waine, to speak.

Chief Superintendent Waine explained the force works closely with Savera UK on cases of HBA and harmful practices, “both operationally and strategically” to support those at risk and bring about prosecutions.

She said: “Recently Savera UK helped us where we had a victim who was an asylum seeker and her friends were very reticent to talk to Merseyside Police. Savera UK came in and spoke to that community and gave them the confidence to speak up for their friend to Merseyside Police. We would have never got that result without Savera UK.

“Strategically Savera UK has helped us doing cross-agency training on harmful practices and also sit on a strategic board about how we can raise awareness about harmful practices. I have to say that is one of our priorities within Violence Against Women and Girls programme of work because we get hardly any reports.

“I agree that is not because it’s not happening, that’s because people aren’t coming forward and don’t have the confidence, maybe just accept it, or normalise it in the communities they’re in. We’re keen at any opportunity to raise awareness, for those who understand it and those who don’t understand it, about what harmful practices are and what the signs are. If there is a victim it might be only one chance for us to intervene, particularly if people are going to be taken out of the country.”

Savera UK Founder and CEO, Afrah Qassim, also spoke during the event about the importance of marking the Day of Memory. She said: “This is the birthday of an ambitious young woman, Shafilea Ahmed, whose life was taken from her at the age of 17.

“She was killed in front of her siblings by her parents. The ‘crime’ she had committed was choosing education over marriage. Her birthday was chosen as the National Day of Memory, to remember her and all those who lost their lives in the name of so-called ‘honour’. Banaz Mahmod, Laura Wilson, Alisha Begum, Arash Ghorbani-Zarin, Samaira Nazir and many, many more.

“We want to remember to celebrate them all, they are not forgotten and on their behalf we are today speaking out, and every single day, we are speaking out.”

Afrah added: “It’s estimated there are 12 honour killings every year, and one every month here in the UK. There is between 8,000-10,000 forced marriages. However, charities like us on the frontline consider the figure to a drop in the ocean. The real scale we do not know.”

“It is an issue that can affect anyone.”

Savera UK Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Member, Ayo Folarin, read poems by herself and other members of the YAB written as part of a workshop after members of the youth programme discussed the impact of harmful practices with survivors. Below is her poem ‘Inspired by Maya Angelou’.

 

Inspired by Maya Angelou.

Ayomide Folarin

I wake up early morning and I feel like a hero

I feel like I have powers

I feel like I am invincible.

They tried to pin me down like

a rebellious piece of paper

Without knowing that I was a chaser

A chaser of dreams

A chaser for justice

A chaser for a great world.

 

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Text reads 'Day of Memory 2022'

Savera UK to remember victims of ‘honour’ killings at Pier Head

Representatives from Savera UK, a leading charity tackling ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices, are set to mark the annual “Day of Memory” for those lost to ‘honour’ killings and ‘honour’-based abuse with a ribbon-tying ceremony at Liverpool’s Pier Head (4:30pm – 5:30pm).

The short ceremony will begin at 4:30pm with introductions and speeches from Savera UK Chair, Aislinn O’Dwyer, CEO and Founder, Afrah Qassim and Merseyside’s Police’s Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) lead Chief Superintendent, Ngaire Waine.

An estimated 12 – 15 ‘honour’ killings take place each year in the UK, yet the figure for this ‘hidden’ crime is just the tip of the iceberg, due to under-reporting of HBA and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced/child marriage, and a lack of understanding about these issues.

Attendees at the ceremony will be invited to tie orange ribbons to railings at the city’s Pier Head as a mark of remembrance for those lost, to signify a brighter future for a world where HBA and harmful practices no longer exist and to symbolise hope for survivors who have made the brave decision to flee and find their new beginning.

Ayo Folarin, a member of the Savera UK Youth Advisory Board (YAB), will also perform poetry written by the organisation’s youth representatives, after a minute’s silence is held to remember those lost to ‘honour’ killings.

After the ceremony, members of the Savera UK team will be available to discuss the charity’s work and the issues it tackles with members of the public.

Speaking ahead of the Day of Memory, Afrah Qassim said: “It is vitally important that we use this day to not just remember those lost to ‘honour’ killings but also those whose lives are or could be affected by ‘honour’-based abuse. HBA is a hidden crime and one that is often forgotten or not afforded the same level of visibility as other forms of abuse or violence. 

“HBA can affect anyone, regardless of background, culture, age, sexuality or gender identity. This is why Savera UK exists – to support those at risk, to educate people around these issues and work toward eradicating harmful practices for good. We remember those lost, we see those who are affected and we will do whatever it takes to help them find their savera, which means ‘new beginning’ in Hindi.”

Afrah recently won the “Women of Courage” award at the Merseyside Women of the Year awards. She was recognised at the annual event for her work establishing the charity and extending the support provided regionally via its one-to-one services and nationally via the charity’s helpline. 

The national Day of Memory is held annually on July 14th to remember those lost to ‘honour’ killings and HBA. The date was Warrington teenager Shafilea Ahmed’s birthday, but in 2003,17-year-old Shafilea was murdered by her parents for refusing a forced marriage and becoming ‘too westernised’, in the eyes of her family and community.

Afrah Qassim receiving a Merseyside Women of the Year Award for 'Woman of Courage'

Savera UK CEO and Founder receives ‘Woman of Courage’ Award as latest Impact Report launched

Afrah Qassim receiving a Merseyside Women of the Year Award for 'Woman of Courage'
Image Credit: @wildkindphotography

Savera UK’s CEO and Founder, Afrah Qassim, has been awarded the Women of Courage Award by the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards 2022.

It is the second time Afrah has received recognition at the Merseyside Women of the Year Award, after she was awarded ‘Humanitarian of the Year’ in 2012. This year’s award recognised her dedication to extending Savera UK’s service since 2016.  In the last six years Savera UK has grown to include a national helpline, which provides advice for services and professionals, and a one-to-one holistic support service for clients in Merseyside and Cheshire.

The other element of Savera UK is to raise awareness of harmful practices by marking annual dates, such as International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM (6th February) and the Day of Memory (14th July). The charity has also created online resources to provide easy access to information on the issues, and connects with younger audience through campaigns led by Savera UK Youth. 

Following the awards, Afrah said: “I am overwhelmed to have been awarded the Women of Courage Award, sponsored by Courage and Sparkle, at the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards 2022.

“Savera UK has grown so much over the last six years, and we are proud to continue supporting and advocating for anyone at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices, regardless of their age, religion, sexuality or gender. Thank you to everyone who has supported us, past and present, in getting to this point.

“Developing Savera UK to this extent would not be possible without the support of a passionate, determined and caring team. It’s them I dedicate this award to and thank for their ongoing drive to end ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices. I would also like to dedicate this to the individuals who have the courage and bravery to seek their ‘Savera’, or new beginning.”

Today also marks the launch of Savera UK’s annual Impact Report for 2021/2022, which provides figures on the number of clients Savera UK has supported, the nature of partnerships created and our goals and aims for next year.

The report found between April 2021 and March 2022, Savera UK has supported a total of 202 active clients. Of 30 clients assessed, 57% reported an increased level of safety after engaging with Savera UK’s service, and 63% reported an increase in their overall wellbeing.

These statistics are captured in the powerful story of Melika*, a survivor of forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM) and ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA). After being referred to Savera UK, she said: “I was able to sleep well for the first time in a long time with this protection in place.”

The Impact Report also details how partnership working has continued to increase Savera UK’s reach, and what campaigns and projects Savera UK Youth has been working on over the last 12 months, including information about their month-long #ENDFGM Exhibition at the International Slavery Museum.

You can download Savera UK’s Impact Report 2021/22 here: https://www.saverauk.co.uk/impact/.

*Name has been changed for identity

Savera UK Founder and CEO, Afrah Qassim

Savera UK Founder and CEO finalist for Merseyside Women of the Year Awards 2022

Savera UK Founder and CEO, Afrah Qassim
Savera UK Founder and CEO, Afrah Qassim

Savera UK Founder and CEO, Afrah Qassim, has been announced as a finalist for Merseyside Women of the Year Awards 2022.

Afrah was previously awarded ‘Humanitarian of the Year’ at the 2012 Merseyside Women of the Year Awards, when her work for establishing the Savera UK service in Merseyside was acknowledged. Thanks to her continued hard work alongside the dedicated Savera UK team, she has again received recognition, this time for extending the service to include a one-to-one support service in Merseyside and Cheshire and a national helpline.

Afrah is among eighteen courageous and inspirational women who have been acknowledged for making a difference in the region.

Afrah said: “I am so thankful to everyone who has supported us, past and present, in getting to this point, especially our committed team who are equally as driven and passionate to end ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices as I am.

“None of this work would be possible without them, and their continued support in tackling these issues.

“Thank you to the judges of Merseyside Women of the Year Awards for making me a finalist, and to my nominator. Having this work acknowledged helps remind me of the important reason I do it.”

The overall Merseyside Woman of the Year 2022 will be selected from all finalists, following a public vote (contributing 50% of the overall score) and being marked by the organisation’s judging panel against its criteria, contributing the remaining 50% of the final score.

You can vote for Afrah here until Friday, 10th June 2022: https://merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk/finalists-2022/