New forced marriage refuge opens

The new refuge aims to provide a 'safe haven' for women

A specially-designed refuge to protect women at risk of forced marriage and "honour-based violence" has opened in east London.

The Saranaya Refuge is one of only two of its type in the UK.

They are operated by the Ashiana Network, with Waltham Forest Council providing financial support for both.

The Association of Chief Police Officers estimates 17,000 women in the UK are subject to "honour-based violence", including murder, each year.

Ashiana Network director Shaminder Ubhi said: "It is unacceptable that young women should be told who they can and cannot marry in the 21st Century.

"It continues to shock and sadden me that women are still being brutally punished by their own relatives for bringing 'dishonour' on their families.

"This refuge will provide a safe haven for anyone who is in danger and gives them time to work out their best course of action while they can receive counselling and support by trained staff."

Cllr Afzal Akram, Waltham Forest Council's cabinet member for community safety, enforcement and protection, said: "This refuge puts Waltham Forest at the very forefront of efforts to tackle forced marriage and 'honour-based violence' and we are doing everything we can to offer help and support to the most vulnerable women in our communities."

Ashiana Network, which works with more than 450 women from the South Asian, Turkish and Iranian communities in the UK, says 37% were rescued from a forced marriage.

A Home Office report into forced marriages estimated that each year 3,000 women in the UK are forced to marry against their will.