The Community Helpline Language Service (CHLS) is a unique dedicated confidential service provided by Independent Choices and is part of the Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline for anyone experiencing or has experienced domestic abuse.
The languages provided are in Urdu and Punjabi. The CHLS workers have a wide knowledge around cultural issues and barriers facing Black Minority Ethnic Refugee (BMER) communities, such as Honour Based Violence/Abuse, Forced Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation, immigration issues, no recourse to public funds, Sharia divorce, domestic work and slavery.
For more information or advice in Urdu or Punjabi on how we can support you, please call the Helpline in confidence on: (Mon – Tues 10am – 1pm, Wed 1pm – 4pm)
We deliver training to external agencies on all the above issues to the highest standard.
Honour Based Violence/Abuse is a form of domestic abuse, FM and FGM is encompassed in the definition of HBV/A.
Honour Based Violence/Abuse (HBV/A)
“is a crime or incident which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour (izzat) of a family/and or community”
“it is a fundamental abuse of Human Rights”
“There is no honour in the commission of murder, rape, kidnap and the many other acts, behaviour and conduct which make up violence in the name of so-called honour”
(extract from CPS & ACPO common definition of HBV)
Forced Marriage (FM)
Definition of an arranged marriage
Families of both potential spouses take a leading role in arranging the marriage, but the choice whether to accept the arrangement remains with the individuals
Definition of a forced marriage
A marriage, which is conducted without the consent of both parties, where duress is a factor
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed, but where there’s no medical reason for this to be done. It’s also known as “female circumcision” or “cutting”.
Community Helpline Language is available in Urdu and Punjabi on: 0161 636 7525 (Mon – Tues 10am – 1pm, Wed 1pm – 4pm)
