If you have experienced / are experiencing 'honour'-based violence, it is not your fault. Your safety and wellbeing are the most important things, and there is a range of specialist support available, to help you manage your situation.
Where to start?
Are you in immediate danger?
Find a safe space - If an incident has just happened, go to a safe location where there are other people, e.g. the library on campus, a shop or eatery if in a public place.
If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured call 999 (or 112 from a mobile). If you are hard of hearing, download the 999 BSL App.
If you are on campus, contact Campus Security Services via the SafeZone App., by dialling 333 from any internal telephone, or 01792 513333 on a mobile.
If you are not in immediate danger, you have time to consider your options.
Tell yourself: Sometimes the first person a victim needs to disclose to is themselves. Too often victims internalise messages that it’s “harmless” or was somehow their fault.
What do you want to happen?
You may know what you want to happen now, but it can still be frightening and overwhelming, especially if you are in a relationship with the person(s) or feel at risk from them.
There’s no right or wrong way to respond, it’s what’s best for you. It might help to talk to someone; this could be a friend, family member, a professional organisation e.g. karmanirvana or you can contact specialist staff at the university via the Report & Support platform. See options below: -
- Make a named disclosure: To access support from a university Safeguarding & Disclosure Response Advisor (SDRA), you can make a named disclosure using the Report & Support platform. How can a SDRA support you?
- Make an anonymous disclosure, option is also available via the Report & Support platform, whereby you can disclose your experience without identifying yourself, and the information will be used to understand patterns of behaviour that impact on our students. If you make an anonymous disclosure, you will not be contacted, and formal action may not be taken.
- Here are details of additional support you can consider. Support regarding domestic violence & honour based abuse
Reporting Options – You Decide
A disclosure is not an official report and will not result in formal action. It's up to you whether you make a report. No-one else should make that decision for you, no matter how well intended.
Report a crime to the police Speaking to the Police is your choice. Whilst there is no specific offence of ‘honour-based abuse, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), states it is a violation of human rights and may be a form of domestic and/or sexual violence. Therefore, they are criminal acts covered by legislation that already exists. Here is some Victim Support Information - Reporting to the police.
Report to Crime Stoppers - You can report to Crime Stoppers on Tel: 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers online form.
Report to the University: If the perpetrator is a member of the University community (staff or student) you have the option of submitting a formal report via the Dignity at Work and Study policy. The Student Union Advice & Support Centre (SUASC) can assist you with writing your statement.