The CHLS is a unique and dedicated confidential service provided by Independent Choices Greater Manchester and is operated as part of the Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline. It is open for anyone over the age of 16 who is experiencing or has previously experienced domestic abuse & violence in any form and who needs to access advice and support in Urdu and Punjabi.
Our CHLS workers have a wide knowledge around cultural issues and barriers facing BAME (Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic) communities, such as Honour Based Violence/Abuse, Forced Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), immigration issues, no recourse to public funds, Sharia divorce, domestic work and slavery.
Independent Choices Greater Manchester are also able to access Language Line, for callers who speak other languages.
The Community Helpline Language Service is an inclusive and diverse service, able to help and support victims and survivors who may previously have been unable to talk to anyone about their experience in their own language. The service runs alongside our Domestic Abuse Helpline and is available Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm on 0800 254 0909.
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”.
