On a cold foggy morning, Naz and Matt Foundation delivered their first talk in Scotland to a packed auditorium at headquarters of Police Scotland.
We were invited by our friends at Shakti Women’s Aid – a charity based in Edinburgh that helps BME (Black and minority ethnic) women, children, and young people experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic abuse from a partner, ex-partner, and/ or other members of the household.
We first met the Shakti team at the launch event for the HARM Network. HARM (the Honour Abuse Research Matrix) is a new international network that connects professionals from across the charity sector, education community and public organisations that tackle ‘honour based abuse‘. HARM is championed by Dr Roxanne Khan in association with the Criminal Justice Partnership at UCLan (University of Central Lancashire).
Our powerful, 60 minute talk was titled “Religious Homophobia: There is no excuse” and it makes the strong case for why homophobia, justified by religious or cultural interpretation has no place in modern society. The talk is backed up with evidence that illustrates the devastating impact of this unacceptable form of abuse.
We would like to thank Shakti and Police Scotland for inviting us to Edinburgh to talk about this important issue as part of the Shakti’s “What Honour means to me” conference, which is part of the campaign #16DaysOfAction against domestic abuse.
Your kindness and hospitality made us feel very welcome.
About Shakti
Shakti Women’s Aid helps BME women, children, and young people experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic abuse from a partner, ex-partner, and/ or other members of the household. We also work closely with the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, NHS Scotland, and other statutory and voluntary services. We provide training and consultancy for agencies working with BME women, children, and young people.
About Police Scotland
http://www.scotland.police.uk/
Photo credits:
Police Scotland, Shakti, Brian D Osborne
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