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Standing Against Forced Marriage: Raising Awareness, Protecting Victims and Strengthening Professional Response By Sabeena Pirooz
The work I am doing supporting victims of violence through The Sky Project
Violence against women and girls is a huge and urgent problem. Forced marriage and honour-based abuse forms part of this wider picture. In 2025, the Forced Marriage Unit supported a number of victims. Over half were under 21 and 74% were women and girls. The UK records an estimated 10-15 honour killings every year though the true number is believed to be far higher.
I am the Director of The Sky Project, a Bristol-based charity committed to delivering training on forced marriage and honour-based abuse and increasing awareness of harmful practices within our communities. Today, it remains the only charity in the South West solely dedicated to providing specialist training on forced marriage and honour-based abuse.
Education and prevention are at the heart of our work. Through CPD-accredited training, awareness programmes and community engagement, we equip frontline professionals and various groups with the knowledge and confidence to identify risk factors, respond appropriately and safeguard those at risk. Our training is delivered to a wide range of professionals, including police officers, healthcare practitioners, midwives, universities, legal professionals, charities and community organisations—many of whom may be the first point of contact for victims.
The Sky Project has hosted a number of successful conferences featuring nationally recognised experts with the events providing an important platform for professionals, survivors and advocates to share knowledge, encourage dialogue and drive meaningful change across the sector.
In my role, I also represent The Sky Project as part of the Bristol Harmful Practices Working Group, bringing together statutory agencies and partner organisations to share best practice, strengthen multi-agency collaboration and improve coordinated responses to forced marriage and honour-based abuse and harmful practices.
Beyond training, I have raised public awareness through media engagement, including appearances on ITV News and podcasts discussing the realities of forced marriage. I have discussed strategies with local Police Commissioners, MPs and other leaders to reduce cases of forced marriage and honour-based abuse by improving support for victims. In 2025, I commenced my role as Vice President of the Bristol Law Society providing a platform to continue to advocate for greater action to tackle violence against women and girls.
Central to everything we do are the voices of survivors. We believe lived experience plays a vital role in informing professional practice, shaping public understanding and influencing policy. By creating opportunities for survivors to share their experiences safely, we help ensure that future responses are informed, compassionate and effective. In 2025, Payzee Mahmod (sister of Banaz Mahmod who was sadly killed as a result of an honour killing) became an ambassador for the charity to strengthen our message of education and training and the importance of survivor voices.
I have dedicated more than 17 years—on a pro bono basis—to raise awareness of forced marriage and honour-based abuse, supporting victims, promoting safeguarding, and working to prevent violence against women and girls, something that I am truly passionate about.
Advice to those who may be currently experiencing or recovering from violence
In the context of forced marriage, victims can experience fear, intimidation and isolation and many remain silent because they fear violence, family rejection or bringing dishonour upon their family. Know that you are not alone and help is available.
If you are experiencing, or are at risk of, a forced marriage, it is important speak to a specialist support service who can provide a safe, confidential environment where your concerns will be taken seriously and your choices respected. Organisations such as the Forced Marriage Unit can assist with safety planning, practical support and advice tailored to your circumstances. There are also numerous local charities and organisations who will be able to help guide you through the steps that you wish to take.
You may wish to seek legal advice as Forced marriage is a criminal offence in the UK, and the courts have powers to protect those at risk. However, we understand victims choose not to seek legal advice for fear of prosecuting family members. Another alternative is to obtain a civil remedy; a Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO), designed to prevent a forced marriage from taking place or to protect someone who has already been subjected to one. These orders can be made urgently in emergency situations to provide immediate protection. Applications can be made by the victim, a relevant third party, or another individual with the permission of the Court.
No one should ever feel pressured into marriage against their will, everyone should have the choice to marry who they wish and reminded of their rights. Support is available locally and nationally to help individuals make informed decisions about their safety and future.
Advice to friends/family/colleagues (on effective ways to assist/support)
Friends, relatives and colleagues can play an important role in supporting someone who may be at risk of forced marriage and/or suffering from honour-based abuse. The most valuable first step is to listen without judgement and take any concerns seriously. Victims may have spent months and/or years struggling in silence before disclosing what is happening. We often stress the ‘one chance’ rule, as there may be only one chance that the individual feels confident enough to disclose what is happening to them; so it’s important to act.
We strongly advise not to confront family members or attempt to mediate, as this can seriously increase the risk to the victim. Instead, encourage them to seek specialist support from organisations experienced in sensitive issues faced by victims of forced marriage and honour-based abuse.
(Generally)what organisations can do to deal with this crisis
Forced marriage is a serious form of abuse with profound physical, psychological, financial and legal consequences. Professionals working in education, healthcare, policing, social care, legal services and the voluntary sector all have an important role to play in identifying and safeguarding those at risk.
Be mindful of prejudices against one community/religion. Forced marriage and honour-based abuse can happen to a range of communities and is not a specific to one country, religion or culture; every major religion condemns such practice.
Organisations should invest in appropriate training. Training enables professionals to recognise the warning signs, respond sensitively and confidently, and understand the legal and safeguarding responsibilities associated with forced marriage and honour-based abuse. Early identification is often the difference between preventing harm and responding after abuse has occurred.
On 29th April 2026, the Crime and Policing Act received royal assent introducing a statutory definition of honour base abuse into law. The definition will be implemented later this year which is a significant step forward in the way of influencing professionals to recognise, respond to and support victims of honour-based abuse. Training is essential to deal with this change.
Effective multi-agency working is equally essential. Victims frequently come into contact with several services before disclosing abuse, making communication and coordinated responses critical to their safety.
Professionals should remember the following:
- Always treat the matter seriously and recognise the potential risk of significant harm whilst respecting the wishes of the victim.
- Speak to the individual alone in a safe and confidential environment where the conversation cannot be overheard.
- Gather as much relevant information as possible (particularly if you have concerns they are going abroad), recognising that this may be your only chance
- Reassure them that everyone has the legal right to enter into marriage with their full and free consent. Remind them of their legal rights.
Ultimately, training and awareness can save lives. By equipping professionals with the knowledge, confidence and skills to recognise abuse and respond appropriately, organisations can strengthen safeguarding, improve victim outcomes and help prevent forced marriage and honour-based abuse before it occurs.
The Sky Project provides training to all groups.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sky-project/
Sabeena Pirooz
Sky Project Director
VP Bristol Law Society
Senior Lawyer & Associate at Thompsons Solicitors
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabeena-pirooz-a922b24a/
July 26