As part of the run up to International Womens Day on 8 March, EQuIP has launched its Harmful Practices Guide and Toolkit in Warwickshire, a comprehensive guide to where and how to get support on the seriously underreported issues of: Forced Marriage, FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) and Honour-based Violence.
Communities across Warwickshire will receive printed copies so that diverse communities have access to the correct information if they come across these practices. Details of organisations that can offer support and advice are also included within the toolkit, so if you or anyone you know needs help or support with dealing with such experiences find out how to get your copy below.
Junaid Hussain, Chief Executive of EQuIP, explains; “Thankfully FGM (Female Genital Mutilation), honour-based violence and forced marriages are rare in Warwickshire. However, we know that if anything should happen, immediate access to specialist support is vital and not many people know what to do next. This guide is a comprehensive but simple toolkit on what to do, who to speak to, when time is critical. He adds “We are grateful to Philip for funding our research work in putting this Guide together and we aim to circulate it widely amongst communities in Warwickshire in both printed and online formats.”
The Guide has been compiled by EQuIP with active support from the Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Seccombe.
Philip Seccombe, Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire, adds: “FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) is truly abhorrent and, while the numbers of people in Warwickshire who have become victim to this will likely to be very low, any one victim is one too many. It is an unnecessary procedure which can have serious consequences physically, emotionally and psychologically for women and girls. These consequences are likely to continue throughout the victim’s life.
“It’s one of a number of harmful practices that are under-reported, often because there are cultural factors which make it hard for people to talk about their experiences. I hope that by producing this guide and distributing it widely across Warwickshire, we can get the message out harmful practices such as FGM, forced marriage and honour-based violence will not be tolerated and that there is a wealth of help and support available to help victims and anyone who has concerns about someone who may become a victim. Overall, the aim of police and partners is to put an end to these harmful practices and so raising awareness in this way is absolutely vital.”
If you would like a printed copy, please contact us, or download the PDF on our website here: EQuIP Harmful Practices Toolkit for Warwickshire
