Honour Network

The Honour Network is a project designed to support victims and survivors of forced marriage and honour based violence. The Honour Network also seeks to increase the reporting of victims and also survivors many of which are disowned by their families. One of the key aims of the network is to reduce the isolation of victims, increase confidence with agencies and offer a network where 'friends become family' as a result of disownment reducing the pressure to return to the family. The helpline is unique as those who call have the option to speak to a survivor whose experience is invaluable in supporting the caller's decision making process.

The help-line is operated by volunteers and the Karma Nirvana team who have received training in the issues and receive on-going support with their development. This training was devised with the support of many agencies designed to give call handlers the listening skills in this field, an understanding of risk assessing and safety planning as well as a sound understanding of sign-posting, for example the role of The Forced Marriage Unit, reluctant sponsors, police involvement and child protection issues.

If you would like to speak to someone on the helpline for guidance or support, please call us on 0800 5999 247.

View our Honour Network leaflet here
View our Honour Network Poster here

How many calls has the helpline received?

The Help-line has been publicised nationally through the media and a host of agencies through its launch on the April 11th 2008. Between 11th April 2008 and the 31st March 2009 the helpline received almost 4'000 calls.

Who calls the helpline?

The Honour Network receives calls from victims and survivors, either providing their name or anonymously. We do not have to know the caller's name; the helpline is about obtaining trust from the caller but also informing the caller that each call is handled in the strictest of confidence. 
We also receive calls on the Honour Network from professionals nationally, including (not exclusive):

• Police officers
• Education Professional
• Social Workers
• Health Professional
• Housing Officers
• Independent Domestic Violence Advocates

Many professionals call us in relation to specific enquiries for individuals that they are support or for requests to deliver training or to speak at events on this issue.

How can I support the helpline?

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for the Honour Network, please click on the following link and complete the 'Honour Network Volunteer Form'.

Please note that due to limited funding, Karma Nirvana cannot offer Honour Network training to each application that it gets. If you are not selected for a primary interview to volunteer on the Honour Network, Karma Nirvana shall endeavour to outline the reasons for this and will consider alternative voluntary work that you may be able to support us with.

If you would like to support the Honour Network through making a donation see the detail on the right; donations via the PayPal are coming soon.

For further information on volunteering, please visit the volunteering section on this website.