Tag: Savera UK

February 17, 2023

Savera UK Supports Call for Ban on LGBT+ Conversion ‘Therapy’

Window of Lush in Liverpool highlighting the ‘Have a Heart’ campaign (Image credit: Lush)

LGBT+ anti-abuse charity Galop and cosmetics company Lush recently teamed up to share the stories of survivors of conversion ‘therapy’ and urge people to write to their MP to call for an immediate and inclusive ban on all of these practices.

Savera UK believes in the majority of cases conversion ‘therapy’ or practices are forms of ‘honour’-based abuse – ‘punishments’ or ‘cures’ inflicted on an individual whose sexuality or gender identity is against the cultural, social or religious ‘norms’ of a family or community. ALL of these practices, without exclusion, are abuse and a violation of human rights.

The powerful animation for the ‘Have a Heart’ campaign launched ahead of Valentine’s Day and told the stories of survivors Joe, Alex and Grace. The video highlights many elements of conversion practices that correlate to characteristics of ‘honour’-based abuse, for example how they are often committed by family behind closed doors.

In Alex’s story, their father said they would be ‘better dead than non-binary’, misgendered them and destroyed clothes that he thought were too masculine. Grace, who is lesbian, was threatened with being kicked out of her home if she didn’t go on dates with men much older than her. Joe’s family monitored his finances, clothing, communications and everyday movements. All of these actions are abuse.

Image credit: Lush

Within Joe’s story we also learn that despite asking police for help he was returned to his family home time and again and the abuse continued. This is often seen in cases of ‘honour’-based abuse, where there is a lack of awareness or understanding about abuse of this nature, or where cultural sensitivity causes a fear of challenging abuse.

Galop’s recent research with YouGov shows that nearly 1 in 5 (18%) of LGBT+ people in the UK have been subjected to someone trying to change, ‘cure’ or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity, highlighting the scale of the issue in the UK.

Afrah Qassim, CEO and Founder of Savera UK, said: “This campaign is an incredibly powerful illustration of the threat of conversion ‘therapy’ to LGBTQ+ people in the UK and why action needs to be taken to ban it completely now.

“It also clearly highlights how ‘honour’-based abuse can happen anywhere and to anyone – not just in certain communities. Greater understanding around the many ways in which ‘honour’-based abuse presents is needed both among professionals and the general public.

“As with all forms of ‘honour’-based abuse and other harmful practices, when a person makes a disclosure about being subjected to or at risk of conversion ‘therapy’ or practices, the One Chance Rule should be followed, as that may be the only chase we have to help that person.

“Savera UK supports all people at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices, including conversion ‘therapy’, regardless of ethnicity, culture, religion, disability, age, gender or sexuality. We join with Lush, Galop and all those calling for an immediate and fully inclusive ban of conversion ‘therapy’ and practices, which protects all LGBTQ+ people from harm.”

To watch the video and write to your MP and join the call for the ban, visit: weare.lush.com/have-a-heart-campaign/

February 14, 2023

Savera UK statement following violence in Knowsley

Savera UK’s CEO and Founder has released a statement following violence which began on Friday, 10th February in Knowsley, Merseyside. You can read the statement in full below.

Afrah Qassim, CEO and Founder of Savera UK, said: “Savera UK is horrified by the violence and hatred that unfolded towards those seeking asylum in Knowsley last week, and we do not believe that it represents the people of Knowsley or the wider Liverpool city region.

“We are standing with Together for Refugees and other signatories of their open letter to call for a clear stand from political leaders after this attack and action to prevent similar incidents in future.

“As an organisation that supports refugees and asylum seekers to find a new beginning free from abuse, violence and unsafe environments, we know that they have already suffered. They have been forced to make dangerous journeys and terrible choices. They deserve to be welcomed into a place of safety and live without fear.

“However, our broken system and the delays that make it necessary for them to be placed in temporary accommodation, combined with the inflammatory rhetoric of an “invasion” that has been used by our Home Secretary, other ministers and the media, are removing that human right and causing reactions like those we saw last week.

“We at Savera UK stand shoulder-to-shoulder with anyone coming to our country to flee war, violence, abuse and persecution. It is a human right to seek asylum and we will defend that right and condemn further violence. The minority we saw in Knowsley last week do not speak for us. Refugees and asylum seekers are – and will always be – welcome here.”

February 10, 2023

Savera UK statement following ‘honour’ killing of Tiba al-Ali

Tiba al-Ali was killed by her father (Image credit: Twitter)

Tiba al-Ali was killed by her father on January 31st, 2023, in a reported ‘honour’ killing.

The 22-year-old was in the southern province of Diwaniya when she was killed, reportedly because her father had been ‘unhappy’ about her decision to live alone in Turkey. Her death has sparked protests in Iraq, with dozens gathering on February 5th to condemn the killing. Savera UK stands with those protesting against her murder.

Afrah Qassim, Savera UK CEO and Founder, said: “Savera UK is appalled and heartbroken by the ‘honour’ killing of Tiba al-Ali at the hands of her father in Iraq. Yet we are not shocked. Each year around 5,000 people die as a result of ‘honour’-based abuse and violence. There has been a cry for justice raised worldwide for Tiba only because she was widely known as YouTube star and media personality. But we should reminded ourselves that many others lose their lives in ‘honour’ killings, and who calls for justice for them? Iraq’s penal code stipulates that killings with an ‘honourable motive’ are a mitigating circumstance for punishment. It also states that punishment for a man who kills or beats his wife, female relative or her partner (in the case of adultery) to death or causes them permanent impairment, is up to three years in prison, with the judge afforded discretionary power to reduce this punishment.

“If ‘honour’ continues to be a mitigating factor – and excuse for murder – thousands more like Tiba will die. We stand with all those calling for justice for Tiba around the world. She was a bright, 22-year-old woman with the whole of her life ahead of her. She had the right to chose to leave her family home in Iraq to live in Turkey. She had a right to live freely, happily and peacefully. But that right was taken away from her.

“There is no ‘honour’ in abuse and there is no ‘honour’ in murder.

“Justice for Tiba al-Ali. Justice for all those lost in the name of ‘honour’.”

If you are at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse or harmful practices in the UK, contact the Savera UK helpline on 0800 107 0726 (operates weekdays 10am – 4pm).

January 30, 2023

International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM 2023

The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is just one week away, taking place annually on 6th February.

FGM is the removal or injury of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is estimated that 200 million women and girls have been subjected to this practice globally.*

First launched in 2003, the day is an United Nations-sponsored awareness day that takes place as part of the UN’s efforts to eradicate FGM.

FGM is just one harmful practice that Savera UK works to end, here in the UK and around the world.

If you would like to learn more about FGM and how you can help to stop it, join Savera UK in supporting the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.

Please read, watch and share the resources below and tag @SaveraUK and use #EndFGM if you are sharing on socials.

READ: FGM Factsheet – information on female genital mutilation

READ: Harmful Practices Factsheet – wider information on harmful practices

WATCH: One Chance Rule Video – if someone makes a disclosure that they are at risk of FGM or other harmful practices, or you believe they are at risk, there may only be one chance to help them. This video explains what you need to do

WATCH: Savera UK Youth “Orange Brick Road” Video – An overview of harmful practices, including FGM, for young people. This video was created by Savera UK Youth. Educational resources for schools and youth groups are available to facilitate discussion around the topics

WATCH: Savera UK FGM Support: How We Can Help Video – Information on what support Savera UK can provide to those at risk of, or survivors of, FGM

*Source: UNICEF, https://www.unicef.org/protection/female-genital-mutilation

January 23, 2023

Savera UK celebrates partnership with Pilotlight

Savera UK, a charity working to end ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, is celebrating its recent partnership with business strategy programme Pilotlight.

Pilotlight is a charity pairing teams of business advisors, referred to as ‘Pilotlighters’ with charities for coaching and mentoring during strategic opportunities and challenges.

Over 10 months, Savera UK’s CEO and Chair met with its own dedicated team of three Pilotlighters and its project lead to develop the charity’s business strategy, vision and mission. Through the sessions each specialist Pilotlighter helped Savera UK consider ways to improve organisational aspects of the charity through open and honest discussions on strengths, weaknesses and past performance.

Savera UK’s CEO, Afrah Qassim, and Chair, Aislinn O’Dwyer, discussed with their team of Pilotlighters what makes Savera UK unique in its operations and delivery, and set strategic goals to clarify the next steps for the organisation.

Following the sessions, Savera UK is now looking ahead to its next period of growth as we continue providing vital direct intervention services for those at risk of HBA and harmful practices while protesting these human rights violations through campaigns and awareness-raising.

Fiona Wilson, a senior leader in the private sector and one of the Pilotlighters, said: “I believe I speak for the Pilotlighters if I say that Savera UK is on a big journey, but it is very capable, resourceful, and has great potential. To have been invited into its world and the work that it does, and to have seen its progress and the impact it has – it has been a privilege!”

Afrah Qassim, CEO and Founder of Savera UK, said: “This was an opportunity that came at the right time as we looked to develop the next stage of Savera UK. Each Pilotlighter provided us with a different perspective from their own area of expertise, helping us pre-empt potential challenges and gain clarity on the charity’s goals. There was total commitment from both sides, which ensured we achieved our goals set at the beginning of the programme of setting the organisation’s vision, mission, values and planning our three-year strategy.

“Personally, I have found this experience invaluable as it has allowed me to explore and evaluate my own perception of the organisation as the CEO and given me important advice on leading a team at time of change and development. By being challenged on Savera UK’s strategy, development and operations we came out of the programme with a level of insight that has prepared us for our next steps as we work to end ‘honour’-based abuse and other harmful practices.

“Thank you to all the Pilotlighters who have supported Savera UK as we embark on this next chapter.”

January 20, 2023

Women’s Equality Committee discusses ‘honour’-based abuse

Last week, the Women’s Equality Committee opened a discussion relating to ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA).

During the event, which took place on Wednesday, 11th January, evidence was heard from Detective Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police and National Police Chief’s Council Lead for HBA, Ivan Balhatchet, Crown Prosecution Service National Lead for HBA, Jaswant Narwal, Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs, Ministry of Justice Minister for State for Victims and Sentencing, Edward Argar MP and Home Office Minister for Safeguarding, Sarah Dines MP.

Topics raised during the discussion included gaps in HBA training among professionals, barriers facing those at risk when accessing support, challenges in prosecuting cases and in safeguarding and advocacy work.

Prior to the discussion, Savera UK submitted evidence to the committee detailing specific difficulties those at risk face, and what actions are necessary in order to work towards a world without HBA and harmful practices. Savera UK emphasised the necessity for a commitment to regular, ongoing training of professionals, a universal definition of HBA referred to by all agencies, sole and dedicated focus to HBA in legislation and the effective implementation of any Governmental and Local Authority strategies supported by the necessary funding and resources.

Savera UK also highlighted the need for one centralised database to collect information relating to HBA, including data on survivors, perpetrators and offences. This is integral to reaching and supporting those at risk, as only with a greater understanding of the true scale of the problem are we able to effectively target those at risk and deliver safeguarding and advocacy support.

Many of these points were also raised by witnesses during the discussion. DCC Ivan Balhatchet emphasised there are currently gaps and inconsistencies relating to training, which is further exacerbated by cases of HBA being “extremely challenging and difficult to identify the risks upfront”. He stressed the need for a risk assessment tool, which would enable police to quickly identify the escalating risk of HBA in a situation.

Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs, speaking during the Women’s Equality Committee discussion on ‘honour’-based abuse. Image credit: Parliamentlive.tv

Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs, called for greater resource and funding for specialist third sector organisations tackling HBA. She said: “I really appreciate now more than ever, especially with the mapping evidence that shows how effective these services are particularly and how vulnerable they are in terms of funding.” She added: “We need to have a much more strategic approach to ‘by and for’ services in general.”

Following the discussion, Afrah Qassim, Founder and CEO of Savera UK, said: “Savera UK thanks the Women’s Equality Committee for creating a space to focus on the incredibly important topic of ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA), and for inviting evidence from specialists in this field, including our own team.

“While it’s important to have these discussions in a public forum, we hope it will be followed with action on the important points raised, particularly around the development of a definition of HBA, the creation of a centralised database and implementation of mandatory ongoing training for professionals.

“HBA can only be eliminated through a multi-pronged approach which requires efforts from all levels, including policy change in Government. While third sector organisations, like Savera UK, continue to deliver effective safeguarding and advocacy and campaign for greater awareness, it’s only with the backing of policy-makers that effective change can take place.

“In addition, we echo Nicole Jacobs’ call for greater funding and resources to be invested in frontline organisations. Savera UK is dedicated to safeguarding those at risk while tackling the causes of HBA by working within communities and lobbying for policy and legislature change, but we need the support and funding of Government and Local Authorities in order to do so.”

You can watch the Women’s Equality Committee discussion on HBA in full here and read the responses to the call for evidence, including the one submitted by Savera UK, here.

January 18, 2023

Student Spotlight: Ella, Social Work Student

At the beginning of October 2022, Savera UK welcomed Ella, a Social Work Student at Edge Hill, to join the direct intervention team.

Ella was invited to learn how the team operates and about the work they do safeguarding and advocating on behalf of those at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices like forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

As Ella’s time at Savera UK draws to a close, we spoke with her to find out how she got on.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My hobbies outside of study/ work includes spending time where I can visiting my family and friends at home. I have friends enrolled in local universities, so as I am currently residing in Liverpool, it gives me chance to see and spend time with my friends. We often watch football or rugby matches, and sometimes friends from home come to visit too.

I have always been involved in a sporty environment. From the age of six, I have represented and competed for my athletics team at home, up until finishing college. I represented my town and borough in local and national competitions. I enjoyed having a physical hobby outside of school/ college studies, as it brought me a difference of environments and activity. I stopped competing due to studies, but still enjoy watching athletics in my spare time.

How did you first hear about Savera UK?

I received my email via my university informing me of what organisation I would be placed at for my 70 day placement. I searched the name up and was both nervous and excited for what I found. I read through the reports and fact sheets and did some revision around this, as HBA is such a niche area. But this is what excited me the most! I knew the experience I would have here would be so unique and informative, and I can definitely say that it has been!

What has your day-to-day role been like?

My day-to-day role has been contacting clients and liaising with professionals to make sure clients are safe. I have been assigned cases which has meant me speaking to clients to understand their past and current situation, and learning how they would like to move forward and how I can then signpost and direct them to receive support in different aspects. I have also had the opportunities to attend and shadow meetings.

Of all your tasks, which has been your favourite?

I have enjoyed everything I have completed at Savera UK, but my favourite had to be the run up to the Christmas break with the festive party and [handing out to clients] Radio City Cash gifts. I really enjoyed being able to interact with clients and meet some of the people I have support was really nice. Putting a face to their stories was really inspiring for me.

What were some of the more challenging aspects of the role?

With being a student and this being my first placement, I have never been in an environment like this before. Every time I was asked to complete a task or attend a meeting, it was quite daunting to me, however my time at Savera UK has taught me so much and I can see how much I have grown in a professional setting, but also personally. Working alongside individuals who have experienced so much was difficult at times, but I knew that in order to support them I needed to provide the best standard of work I could. I never felt out of my depth or uncomfortable completing something because of the support I received, but knew that if I ever did feel this way, I could always speak to someone.

What can be done to help with those difficulties?

Nothing! The support that I receive was amazing. I never felt left in the dark or on my own, and was always encouraged to ask questions. Being on placement is for the experience of learning on the job, and saying no to any of the tasks or meetings I was asked to attend would defeat the point, so I made sure to accept and embrace every opportunity given to me.

What has been aspect of the role that has surprised you the most?

I think just generally how much I have enjoyed the whole experience. Since starting my course, I have always dreaded placement, going into an environment I am not familiar with or may not have the correct knowledge to support clients. I have learned so much. HBA being something that isn’t spoken about or widely seen in the media, and observing the level of work that the service has been able to provide to clients is so eye opening and surprising to see, but also so inspiring and I feel lucky to have been able to help where I can too!

Did your placement at Savera UK live up to the expectations you had before starting?

Absolutely! I was so nervous about starting placement and being in an unfamiliar, busy environment. When I first received my confirmation email that this would be where I would be for my first placement, the nerves kicked in, as HBA and harmful practices are unfortunately a taboo subject and something I was not too knowledgeable in, so I was nervous I wouldn’t be able to provide adequate support.

What will be your main takeaway following your placement with us?

The main thing I am taking away from this placement is the knowledge I have gained and I can use further in my career. I would love to be involved in this type of support work one day, as I can see the passion from the other staff members to provide the best quality of support for their clients, which was passed onto me.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for charities supporting those at risk of harmful practices?

I think the most challenging aspect for the team here at Savera UK is the lack of knowledge from other professionals who they work alongside, but each member of staff is able to challenge professionals’ views and emphasise the importance of recognising HBA and harmful practices, so each referral made to other organisations can be picked up on and risks identified.

How can this be overcome?

By continuing to do the inspiring work and advocating for victims of HBA and harmful practices, as this is a subject that needs to be brought forward and not hidden away. I think when it comes to culture and ethnicity, people often shy away from this, but this is when cases can be missed and therefore further put clients at risk of harm. Being able to explore the significance of cultures and different aspects of this with clients allows us to mould support to their needs.

What are your plans for the future?

I still have another year at university, with another placement to complete. I am currently unsure what type of placement that I would like to be placed in during my final year, but I am looking forward to it, based from the experience I have had here.

What did you enjoy the most about your time at Savera UK?

My time here at Savera UK has been unbelievable, I have enjoyed every day here and I am really going to miss working alongside the team. They have been so supportive of me and I cannot thank them enough. They all have been such inspirations and role models for me, and set the standard very high for the level of support and work I want to go on to deliver to others. I really look up to everyone. Being able to build those professional relationships and see the personal progression within clients and seeing them lead happy and empowered lives has been the best part.

Thanks Ella, we’re so grateful for all your hard work and efforts over the last few months, and we will miss having you as part of the team! We wish you all the best in your future.

January 6, 2023

Student spotlight: Anushka, Social and Political Science Student

For two weeks in December 2022 Savera UK’s Communications and Campaigns Team was joined by Social and Political Science Student Anushka Swannell.

Anushka is a passionate activist dedicated to working towards the prevention of sexual violence. She is particularly interested in how policy can facilitate this work.

Anushka applied to take part in a student placement with Savera UK in order to learn more about ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and how a grassroots organisation makes an impact nationally. You can learn more about Anushka’s experience in the below interview.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication Anushka!

How did you first hear about Savera UK?

In April 2021, Afrah [Qassim, Savera UK CEO and Founder] kindly spoke as a panel member at the University of York Labour (UYLC) Conference event on ‘Intersectionality Matters: Women’s Panel on the Impact of Covid-19’. At the time I was the Gender Liberation officer at UYLC and was utterly inspired by Savera UK’s work and its commitment to helping survivors whilst being dedicated to tackling ‘honour’-based abuse nationally. Since this event, I was truly inspired and have never forgotten about Savera UK. It has been awe-inspiring to be able to help the team over the last two weeks.

What has your day-to-day role been like?

Savera UK has been extremely accommodating to me and has given me so many exciting tasks to help its campaigns and outreach. Throughout the student placement, I have been involved in researching contacts to help propel the outreach of the media guidelines campaign. Additionally, I have helped with social media including posts about Human Rights Day post and the 5k To End HBA campaign. The campaign, engagement and communications team have also been kind enough to let me sit in meetings regarding branding and communications within Savera UK.

Of all your tasks, which has been your favourite?

My favourite task has been researching policy and legislation – with Savera UK’s brand, values and objectives in mind – and sharing my recommendations with the team.

What were some of the more challenging aspects of the role?

The client drop-in was an amazing experience and was incredibly eye-opening, however, I do think the most challenging aspect is knowing that Savera UK’s clients’ have struggled with HBA and/or harmful practices. That said, meeting clients was extraordinary and really highlighted the motivations behind wanting to have a student placement at Savera UK.

What has been aspect of the role that has surprised you the most?

What has truly surprised me the most, is that the Savera UK team have given me tasks and projects to do during the placement which will contribute to their campaigns, work and progress. I am so grateful for this opportunity to actually do some tangible work that will be used as this is not mirrored a lot of time in other placements/ work experience. Additionally, the placement has left me feeling empowered, inspired and ready to help survivors through the public sector. This has genuinely taken me by surprise and is invaluable to me.

Did your placement at Savera UK live up to the expectations you had before starting?

Honestly, I did not have any expectations of what the placement would be like at Savera UK. Nevertheless, the placement has given me so much excitement, skills and work experience in a charity. The placement has gone above and beyond, I am really grateful to the entire team.

What will be your main takeaway following your placement with us?

The major takeaway I will take from the student placement is that there are truly wonderful people in this world making a difference in survivors’ lives and it is not all bleak. The Savera UK team have truly inspired me to get stuck in, in policy to further help survivors. Additionally, it has taught me that my goals and ambitions are not too far away from being destinations. The placement has taught me that real change is happening and is happening now and I am hoping to be part of that change.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for charities supporting those at risk of harmful practices?

I think the biggest challenge cannot be put down to one, so I think it is three-fold. Firstly, it is the incoherence of HBA and harmful practices within government, legislation, local government, social workers, social care, police, emergency services and education/ training. Secondly, it is the damaging stereotypes around HBA and harmful practices that are stunting progress. Lastly, I think it is the lack of awareness and education around HBA and harmful practices. Although these are huge challenges, these are challenges that can be overcome and I know that Savera UK is determined to defeat these challenges.

How can this be overcome?

I think the ways this can be overcome are below:

Legitimate policy and legislation that sets out a coherent definition of HBA and harmful practices
This definition will be embedded into professional practice and training for emergency services and social and support workers/services as well as medical professionals. This training should be mandatory
Education for secondary and primary school children, which Savera UK has begun with the creation of an education pack for secondary school students. This could be standardised and compulsory within RSE.
Education statutory guidance needs to be stricter on the implementation of this policy and training goes hand in hand with this.
Campaigns, raising awareness, education, and community work will help to alleviate the harmful stereotypes

I am aware that a lot needs to be done but I think this is achievable. I think Savera UK has the resilience, fire and expertise to deliver these outcomes and I would love to be a part of that as much as possible. I cannot wait to see what Savera UK achieves in 2023.

What are your plans for the future?

The Savera UK student placement has motivated me to delay doing a masters degree and go straight into NGO and charity work post graduating with my undergraduate degree. On the way home from the placement, I will be drafting my applications for the Houses of Parliament graduate scheme and the Charity Works graduate scheme.

My ambition is to work in policy to prevent sexual violence through compulsory consent education and training as well as emergency services training on definitions around consent and coercion.

One day I would love to come back to Savera UK and help as much as I can to end ‘honour’-based abuse. I hope to apply for Savera UK’s Youth Advisory Board to start this journey with Savera UK.

What did you enjoy the most about your time at Savera UK?

I enjoyed meeting Savera UK’s team the most and also helping the team with possible policy opportunities as this aligns with my ambitions and passions the most.

Genuinely would like to thank the entire team for welcoming me to well into the team and could not be more grateful for the experience.

Thank you for your incredibly kind words Anushka, it has been wonderful having you as part of the team and we wish you all the best in your future!

December 16, 2022

Savera UK CEO reflects on 2022 and remembers those lost to ‘honour’-based abuse

As we come to the final weeks of 2022, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on what Savera UK has achieved in the past year. It feels as though it was only last week when we celebrated the start of 2022, while at the same time it’s been a long year with plenty of progress made. I’m so proud of the work we have achieved, despite facing challenges along the way as I’m sure is a similar story for many of you. I first want to congratulate and thank the Savera UK team for their endless commitment and passion to Savera UK. I would also like to thank the Savera UK Board, Advisory Board and Youth Advisory Board for their amazing support and commitment. Our funders and supporters, who are key in helping us end ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices. Without your involvement and support, we would not have been able to accomplish so much in the last year – thank you.

This year Savera UK Youth conducted fantastic awareness-raising work including relaunching the #ENDFGM Exhibition in partnership with the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool as part of International Day for Zero Tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation and releasing their educational film ‘Orange Brick Road’ as part of UK Parliament Week. Alongside the video, Savera UK Youth created an education pack including activities to help teachers and those working with young people guide discussions on harmful practices.

Savera UK one-to-one direct intervention team has provided advocacy and support to many of our clients and also delivered empowerment activities including self-confidence building, dance and self-defence classes. It has also provided wellbeing support through weekly drop-in sessions and provided emotional and financial support through the Smallwood Community Grant.

This year Savera UK’s work was also recognised in the Third Sector Awards, for which we were nominated in the ‘Small Charity, Big Achiever’ category. I am incredibly grateful to those who nominated me for the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards 2022, and I was overwhelmed to be awarded the Woman of Courage Award sponsored by Courage and Sparkle. Liverpool-based Savera UK Youth members were also recognised in the Steve Biko Awards, for their diligent work raising awareness of harmful practices during the pandemic.

Earlier this year I was invited to join The Queen Consort at a reception at Buckingham Palace to mark International Elimination of Violence Against Women Day. While there I was able to discuss the important work our team does to safeguard and advocate on behalf of people at risk of HBA and harmful practices. We also published our first research paper talking about HBA ‘A descriptive study of survivors, perpetrators and abuse characteristics’, which you can read here.

My personal highlight of the year was the launch of Savera UK’s ‘5k to End HBA’ fundraising campaign, which was launched with a march through Liverpool city centre to shine a light on HBA and stand in solidarity with survivors.

We are very proud had the opportunity to take part in the Pilotlight programme, which allowed us to focus on our strategic plan and future development. The partnership encouraged me and the Savera UK Board to challenge ourselves and to consider the organisation’s challenges. Thank you to all the Pilotlighters we worked with. We are delighted to end the year in announcing our new and exciting partnership with Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

Once again, thank you for all your continued support and believing in Savera UK and the work we do.

I ask for us all during the festive season, to reflect and think of all those whose have lost their loved ones, and those who are still living and at risk of HBA and struggling to ask for help.

Afrah Qassim,

CEO and Founder of Savera UK

Helpline 0800 107 0726