Freedom Charity launches

Aneeta Prem (pictured left), friend and associate of OBV will make history tomorrow by launching the nation’s first 24/7 helpline for those seeking help and refuge from forced marriages and ‘dishonour’ violence. The launch of this historic helpline coincides with the launch of her book, ‘But it’s not fair’.

According to the Times Educational Supplement almost 12,000 children have missed school for a month, worse still 1,500 of those still cannot be traced.

The Government suspects that there are at least 12 deaths a year that are directly connected to ‘honour’ killings.

A recent case was that of Banaz Mahmod. The 20 year old was strangled and hidden in a suitcase, which was later buried in a house in Birmingham. Her own father and uncle organised the killing.

The mishandling of the case by the police - she contacted them a number of times, fearing for her life - highlights the case for charities such as Freedom to help the vulnerable.

Tomorrows launch will be hosted by the Charity’s Chair Lord Toby Harris, and speakers will include Keith Vaz MP.

Commenting before the launch Anita Prem, stated:

“Supporting this charity will simply save lives and return some dignity to those who have been persecuted.”