The Importance of Education In Stopping HBV

Here we look at some of the crucial aspects that can be considered in order to ensure honour-based violence becomes a thing of the past in the UK. 

Survivors of honour-based violence have a crucial role to play. Whether it’s in schools, through organisations, or as part of one of the UK’s official organisations, their first-hand experience makes them more adept at spotting telltale signs of abuse. They are also in a unique position to relate to youngsters that currently need help, and are more relatable for current victims, as they provide an example of someone who has been through a similar experience and come out the other side. 

The ideal situation is for past victims that are interested to pursue a career in teaching. Online courses make this easier than ever to achieve, even if starting a little later than what would be considered normal. For those seeking to go down this path, gaining an online teaching degree is within reach. 

The aim is to raise awareness. Enlisting the help of local authorities and private sector organisations that can identify and support potential victims of honour abuse is critical. Having close ties to local police forces and victim support also helps to make them aware of the goals. Increasing the frequency and volume of the conversation surrounding HBV will help potential victims to react to any potential threat in a more confident way. The government has set up special units just to deal with specific aspects of HBV, such as the FMU (Forced Marriage Unit).

Schools, colleges, and universities all have a crucial role to play. The average age of the students means this is the period a potential victim is most likely to experience HBV. Having somewhere students feel safe to discuss any problems away from the situation is critical in the fight against HBV. However, equally as important is ensuring there are people available that are qualified to help the student deal with the problems they are facing, provide the correct support, and not alienate or miss any potentially important aspects of the case. 

There are blogs that give young people a safe place to share their own experiences with other users. This can not only help them to work through and share their own experiences but can be important to sufferers of HBV who are afraid to come forward. It shows them they are not alone and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel if they seek help in the right places. Young people don’t always have a figure they can turn to in their community or family for help, so this type of safe space can go a long way towards providing support in the early stages of deciding to come forward. 

Whatever the means or method of fighting honour-based violence, it’s crucial we let at-risk people know that forced marriage, honour-based violence, and female genital mutilation are not acceptable and not a taboo subject. We must be committed to providing training and support where it is needed, and raising awareness in educational institutions, local authorities, and high-risk communities. 

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