Other forms of abuse
Call for help now:
Bradford Survive and Thrive One Front Door helpline:
0808 2800 999
National Domestic Abuse Helpline:
0808 2000 247
In an emergency, call 999
Forced marriage
Everyone has the right to make their own decisions about who they marry or when it should be. A forced marriage is where one or both people do not consent to the marriage, but are made to go ahead with it by their families or community. If your family is threatening you if you don’t go through with a forced marriage, or if you are in a forced marriage, you should contact help immediately. If you would like to speak to a specialist charity who work with victims of forced marriage, contact Karma Nirvana on 0800 5999 247.
Honour-based abuse
Honour Based Abuse is where families may use the excuse of cultural traditions to control you. Your family may try to embed the idea that there are rules you should adhere to and punish you when you ‘break’ them, but nobody has the right to control or hurt you. If you would like to speak to a specialist charity who work with victims of honour-based abuse, contact Karma Nirvana on 0800 5999 247.
Bradford Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Survivors Service runs the Jyoti service, which is a specialist service for Black, Asian and minoritised women and girls, run by Black, Asian and minoritised women. Jyoti offers a culturally sensitive approach to dealing with issues around rape and sexual violence, including the fear of how you will be perceived within your family, community and culture.
Their workers also understand how racism can impact on women’s lives, and make it harder for us to find the support you need. They offer services in a range of languages and are able to access a confidential interpreting service.
They run a specialist Jyoti helpline, so you know your call will be answered by a Black, Asian or minoritised woman. Call the Jyoti helpline on 0800 448 0710 to find out more about their service.
Harassment and stalking
It’s important to know that stalking is a criminal offence, it is against the law. If you think you are being stalked, you can go to the police and they will take your concerns seriously. Stalking is a pattern of persistent and unwanted attention that makes you feel pestered, scared, anxious or harassed. Some examples of stalking are:
- regularly giving unwanted gifts
- making unwanted communication
- damaging property
- following you or spying on you
- threats
Taken in isolation, some of the behaviours may seem like small acts, but together they make up a consistent pattern of behaviour that is frightening and upsetting. If you would like to speak to a specialist charity who work with victims of stalking and harassment, contact the Suzy Lamplugh Trust on 0808 802 0300.