16 days of action against domestic abuse

December 8, 2021

16 days of action against domestic abuse aims to raise awareness of abuse and sign post people across the borough to vital support services. The decision to make the 16 days between 25 November – 10 December was so that three other major events could be recognised: International Human Rights Defenders Day (29 November), World Aids Day (1 December) and the anniversary of the Montreal École Polytechnique Massacre (6 December). This is so that the connection between human rights and domestic abuse could be highlighted.

Honour based abuse, FGM and forced marriage:

In some communities, bringing ‘dishonour’ on families can lead to emotional and physical abuse, family disownment and in some cases even murder. Everyone in Britain, whatever their religion or belief, has the right to choose whether to get married and who they want to marry.

Support is available by calling the West Midlands helpline on 0800 953 9777.

Be sure to check out Shahina’s story in the video below:

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is illegal in the UK. It’s also illegal to take a British national or permanent resident abroad for FGM or to help someone trying to do this. The NHS website has advice and support which can be accessed by clicking here.

Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership also offers information on where to get help and support organisations to identify five signs of FGM which can be accessed by clicking here.

Note: In an emergency you should always call 999.

For more information please email n.reid-lyon@nhs.net or joannetoovey@nhs.net.