Tower Hamlets marked the first ever annual Memorial Day to remember victims of honour based violence last week with a number of installation events outside the borough’s Idea Stores.
The council’s Domestic Violence and Hate Crime organised the Day to raise awareness of honour-based violence and issues such as forced marriage.
The national Day of Memory coincides with the birthday of Shafilea Ahmed, a 17-year-old woman who sadly lost her life in 2003. After suffering years of honour-based violence, including an attempted forced marriage, Shafilea’s parents suffocated her to death in front of her siblings.
An estimated 5,000 women across the world are killed each year for bringing shame upon their families. At least 12 of these victims are British, but the true number is thought to be far higher, as many simply disappear. In the last year there were 17 cases of forced marriage or honour-based violence across Tower Hamlets which were referred to the council’s high risk panel.
John Biggs acknowledged the Council’s work, saying: “The council works hard to support victims of so-called ‘honour’ based violence and forced marriage in the borough. We are proud to support the Day of Memory in the name of Shafilea Ahmed, and in respect of all victims of these heinous crimes.”
One of his two junior deputies, Councillor Shiria Khatun, whom John Biggs appointed as his Cabinet Member for Community Safety, issued instructions to residents, saying: “This is an important event to make Tower Hamlets residents aware of what could be taking place behind closed doors. We appeal to the public to be vigilant of so called ‘honour based violence and forced marriage that could be taking place.”
Cllr Khatun is a Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) champion. The council has recruited over a 120 professional VAWG champions over the past year to help the fight against violence and abuse. It is currently recruiting community champions to fight against all forms of violence against women.
•To find out about becoming a VAWG champion contact Fiona Dwyer (VAWG Strategy Manager) on 020 7364 6636.
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