Shafilea Ahmed Day – national day of remembrance for victims of ‘honour-based’ abuse
July 14, 2021
People suffering ‘honour-based’ abuse are being urged to seek help and support, as we mark the annual Day of Memory today to remember lost victims.
The day was inspired by Bradford-born Shafilea Ahmed. Shafilea was murdered by her parents in a so-called ‘honour’ killing in 2003 when she was just 17 years old. Her parents believed she had brought shame upon the family as Shafilea had refused an arranged marriage.
Shafilea’s parents were convicted of her murder and jailed for life.
The annual Day of Memory remembers men and women affected by ‘honour-based’ abuse.
The term ‘honour-based’ abuse refers to controlling behaviour including physical violence and abuse motivated by a perceived need to maintain, or restore, family honour.
The warning signs of ‘honour based’ abuse can include:
- Broken communication between victim and friends
- Absence from education or the workplace
- Criticism of the victim for ‘western’ dress or make-up
- Restrictions in leaving the house or being accompanied outside the home
- Depressive or suicidal tendencies in an otherwise happy person.
To contact our safeguarding children office, please call 0121 507 2844. If you are worried about yourself, a patient a friend or colleague, you should call the police on 999.
For further information and advice around ‘honour based’ violence please click here.
The Karma Nirvana charity helps and supports victims of ‘honour based’ abuse, you can find out more about the charity by clicking here.