Remembering Shafilea – and other victims of honour crime

POLICE in Cheshire – and in Warrington in particular – are this week remembering victims of honour based abuse.

They are joining police forces across the country to support a national day of remembrance on Friday for those who have been affected by the issue.

Co-ordinated by charity Karma Nirvana, the day is an opportunity to reflect on the women and men who have lost their lives through honour based abuse and forced marriage – and to support those who have survived this kind of abuse.

The day is of particular significance in Warrington as Shafilea Ahmed, who was murdered by her parents in the town in 2003, would have celebrated her 31st birthday on Friday.

Shafilea’s parents (Iftikhar and Farzana) were jailed for 25 years in August 2012 after being found guilty of her murder in an honour based killing.

She had been suffocated with a plastic bag at the family home, her body was later disposed of in Cumbria and the family went about their daily business as if nothing had happened.

Summing up the case, the judge told the couple that their concern at being shamed in their community was greater than their love for their child.

Detective Chief Superintendent Nigel Wenham said: “We should all be allowed the freedom to live our lives without fear of violence. Victims of honour based abuse and forced marriage do not have to suffer in silence and this national day of remembrance is an important time for us all to raise awareness of the issue – and provide an opportunity to encourage those who may be affected to come forward and seek help.

“Police and partners are continuing to work together to take action and support victims and survivors.

“Shafilea’s death sent shockwaves through the local community – and further afield – and all those who worked on this case and were affected by it still think about it today.

“The thought of parents killing their own child is completely incomprehensible and the day of remembrance serves as a reminder that innocent members of the community can be at risk of harm and can feel isolated as they are targeted by those closest to them.”
This year’s day of remembrance focuses on “Not all holidays are a holiday” – and highlights the fact that at this time of year there are concerns that children will be taken overseas during the long school break to be forced into marriage. The charity estimates that 80 per cent of all UK forced marriages take place abroad, mostly during the summer holidays.

Events will be taking place throughout the country to mark the occasion and people are asked to support this worthy cause by using the hash tag #WeRemember.

Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “Shafilea was a vibrant young woman with her whole life ahead of her. Her senseless death affected people right across the world and still does to this day.

“So-called honour-based abuse is often referred to as a hidden crime, and if you feel that someone you know might be at risk, please report it.”

Anyone who believes they know someone who is a victim of an honour based crime or at risk of being forced into a marriage should report their concerns to Cheshire Police on 101. If a crime is taking place or there is a danger to life they should dial 999 immediately.

Information can also be left anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

Help and advice is also available from the charity Karma Nirvana (which focuses on those affected by Honour Based Abuse, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation via their helpline on 0800 5999 247 or by logging onto www.karmanirvana.org.uk.