Abuse Never Defines Me

Abuse Never Defines Me

How Freedom Charity is Transforming Safeguarding

For many years, abuse has been treated as a private matter, hidden from public view. At Freedom Charity, we challenge this silence by empowering survivors of forced marriage (FM) and female genital mutilation (FGM). Abuse doesn’t define a person. Survivors are more than their experiences, and we are here to help them reclaim their futures.”Abuse Never Defines Me”

Dishonour-based abuse is a form of control where family reputation is prioritised over individual wellbeing. This type of abuse is often hard to detect, and survivors may feel ashamed to speak out. At Freedom Charity, we don’t use the word “victim.” Instead, we focus on the strength of survivors. Changing the way we talk about those affected by abuse helps them regain their sense of self-worth and power.

Take Fatima (name changed), for example. Forced into marriage and isolated from society, she was treated as a victim by authorities. But with our support, she began to understand that her identity wasn’t defined by her suffering. She is now a strong advocate for change.

Legal reforms such as the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 and the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 have been crucial in helping survivors like Fatima. These laws provide the tools to protect individuals and enable them to seek justice.

Survivor, Not Victim: The Power of Language

Words have the power to change lives. When someone is called a “victim,” they may feel trapped by their experience. By calling them survivors, we give them a chance to rewrite their story. This shift has reshaped how professionals view those affected by FM and FGM, encouraging respect and empowerment.

The criminalisation of forced marriage under the 2014 law was a turning point. It demonstrated society’s refusal to tolerate abuse and gave survivors the legal support they needed to stand up for themselves.

A Multi-Agency Approach: Working Together to Protect Survivors

FM and FGM are not isolated issues. They often take place within larger family structures, making it difficult for individuals to escape on their own. That’s why Freedom Charity has developed a multi-agency safeguarding model. By bringing together schools, local authorities, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement, we ensure survivors receive the support they need.

Through our PSHE-accredited lesson plans, over 70,000 children have been taught to recognise the signs of FM and FGM. Early intervention is key to preventing abuse, and schools play a vital role in identifying at-risk individuals.

Supporting Professionals on the Frontline

Frontline professionals are often the first to encounter survivors of abuse. However, many feel unprepared to deal with the cultural complexities that come with dishonour-based abuse. At Freedom Charity, we provide extensive training to help these professionals navigate the challenges they face.

Our training programmes include guidance on the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007. With this knowledge, teachers, social workers, and healthcare providers can act confidently to protect those at risk. We also stress the importance of teamwork, as multi-disciplinary efforts are essential in ensuring no survivor is left behind.

Holistic Support: Empowering Survivors Beyond Immediate Safety

Survivors of FM and FGM need more than just immediate safety—they need long-term support to rebuild their lives. At Freedom Charity, we offer trauma-informed counselling and peer support networks that provide survivors with the tools they need to heal.

Many survivors, like Fatima, go on to become advocates for others. These peer networks not only offer emotional support but also create opportunities for survivors to share their stories and help others in similar situations.

Safeguarding Through Empowerment: The Future of Freedom Charity

Safeguarding is not just about protecting survivors from harm—it’s about helping them take back control of their lives. Freedom Charity focuses on creating a future where survivors are empowered to live free from abuse.

Our work is driven by collaboration. By bringing together professionals from across different sectors, we ensure that survivors receive the best possible care. We learn from every case and continually evolve our approach to meet the needs of survivors.

Conclusion: Safeguarding is Empowerment

At Freedom Charity, safeguarding is more than just intervention—it’s about empowerment. Survivors of dishonour-based abuse deserve the chance to reclaim their futures, and we are here to help them every step of the way.

Through our multi-agency collaboration, professional training, and survivor-led support, we are building a system that not only protects but also empowers. Safeguarding must evolve to ensure every survivor has the opportunity to thrive.

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