We believe that so-called honour-based abuse is never okay.
So-called honour-based abuse can have a significant impact on a person's safety, wellbeing, education and relationships. It can involve physical violence, emotional abuse, coercive control, threats, intimidation or pressure from family members, partners or members of a wider community.
Think
• Are you in immediate danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, contact the emergency services on 999 (or 112 from a mobile phone).
• Find a safe space. If an incident has just happened, try and find somewhere you feel safe.
• Consider your safety. If you are worried that family members or others may become aware that you have sought help, think carefully about how and where you access support.
Report
Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using the University's Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously.
University Procedure. If you choose to make a formal complaint to the University about a student or member of staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
Police. If you believe a crime has been committed or you are at risk of harm, you can contact the Police.
Get support
The Samaritans provide emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. Call 116 123, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
TalkCampus is a global mental health support network which provides students with free and instant support for mental health. Support is available 24/7 so you never have to feel alone.
Specialist support available
If it is not an emergency, you can speak to your GP or healthcare professional, call the Police non-emergency number on 101, or attend your local Police station.
Rights of Women provide detailed advice about reporting abuse to the Police and information about the criminal justice process.
There are also a number of confidential and independent organisations that can provide specialist support:
IMECE Women's Centre
IMECE Women's Centre provides specialist support for Black, Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BMER) women, particularly Turkish, Kurdish and Turkish Cypriot women. They offer support to women experiencing harmful practices including forced marriage, so-called honour-based abuse, female genital mutilation (FGM), dowry-related abuse and other forms of abuse.
Telephone: 020 7354 1359
IKWRO – Women's Rights Organisation
IKWRO provides specialist support, advocacy and counselling for Middle Eastern, Afghan and Kurdish women and girls experiencing or at risk of so-called honour-based abuse, forced marriage, child marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM) and domestic abuse.
Telephone: 020 7920 6460 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am–5.30pm)
Out-of-hours emergency support:
Karma Nirvana
Karma Nirvana provides confidential support for victims and survivors of so-called honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
Telephone: 0800 5999 247 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm)
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
The Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline provides support for women experiencing domestic abuse, including so-called honour-based abuse. Family members, friends, colleagues and professionals can also seek advice and support. Calls can be made anonymously.
Telephone: 0808 2000 247
Rights of Women
Rights of Women provides free and confidential legal advice for women experiencing domestic abuse and gender-based violence.
Their services include:
• Family Law Advice Lines.
• Advice relating to domestic abuse and family law.
• Immigration Law Advice for women affected by violence against women and girls who require support regarding their immigration status.
Mental health and wellbeing
Find out more about the support available for mental health and wellbeing.
Take care of yourself. Experiencing abuse or violence can be distressing. The University's Counselling Service offers confidential help and is open to both students and staff.