Honour Based Violence & Forced Marriage Support

Victims of forced marriage and honour based violence in County Durham and Darlington are set to benefit from extra support, following the launch of a new service this week by the HALO Project. The HALO Project, which will ensure victims of these crimes receive the much-needed support and appropriate advice they need.

People force others into marriage due to a range of factors such as preserving wealth and family reputation.

Many victims are subject to emotional blackmail and physical threats. A number of them may be forced to marry a member of their extended family, for example, a cousin.

The UK's Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) have outlined the following reasons why people coerce others into matrimony:

To control unwanted behaviour and sexuality, and prevent ‘unsuitable’ relationships, i.e. with people outside their ethnic, cultural, caste or religious group

○ To protect perceived cultural or religious ideals

○ Family ‘honour’ or long-standing family commitments

○ Peer group or family pressure

○ To ensure land, property and wealth remain in the family

○ To strengthen family links

○ To assist claims for residence and citizenship

○ To provide a carer for a disabled family member / reduce the ‘stigma’ of disability

If you want more information, help and guidance please visit this webpage