The group said what was happening recently was “deeply concerning”.

A Merseyside charity dedicated to tackling “honour-based abuse” has issued a warning as it continues to receive a surge in referrals. Savera UK supports survivors and those at risk of harmful practices including forced marriage, female genital mutilation, conversion therapy and more.

After seeing an increase of almost 36% in new referrals to its service, the association took to the streets of the city in protest. Savera UK will parade Liverpool city center from Williamson Square on Saturday, November 23 at noon – on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls – to call for denouncing these horrific practices.

Afrah Qassim, CEO and Founder of Savera UK, said: “While a national decrease in HBA breach reporting seems positive, for us as a frontline grassroots organization the latest data is deeply concerning, and it has never been more necessary for us to work to fix it. to raise awareness.

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“What is reported by the police contradicts what we are seeing on the ground, namely an increase in the use of HBA and harmful practices such as FGM and forced marriage. HBA remains a local issue that occurs here and can affect anyone.

“We believe this decrease may be indicative of issues such as fear or reluctance to report HBA violations to police for fear of retaliation or consequences; the fear of not being believed or the issues not being understood, or the high risk of harm that characterizes HBA and harmful practices that go unrecognized.

One mother, Khatra Paterson, shared her experience with the ECHO before walking. Her parents made her believe she was going on vacation, but what really happened changed her life forever. Unknown people cornered the businesswoman while she was a victim of female genital mutilation. You can read his survival story here.

The event will begin at midday, with headline participation from Savera UK, Zonta UK and Katumba Drumming & Movement. Its goal is to break the silence surrounding HBA and other destructive customs.

Notable figures including Kim Johnson MP and Merseyside PCC’s Emily Spurrell are expected to deliver a series of hard-hitting speeches. The itinerary may change due to weather report So Savera UK said to keep an eye on their social media.