Why this matters

Freedom Charity works to prevent forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), domestic abuse and related harm. People do not all face the same risks, have the same support around them or find it equally easy to ask for help. We recognise those differences in how we provide information, listen and respond.

We do not treat abuse as something inherent to a particular religion, ethnicity or community. Our work focuses on rights, safety, behaviour and the barriers that can keep people from getting help.

What the words mean to us

Equity means recognising that people may need different forms of support to reach safety and take part. Offering everybody exactly the same information is not enough if some people cannot access it or use it safely.

Diversity means respecting the different experiences, identities and backgrounds of people who use, influence or govern Freedom’s work.

Inclusion means listening to people, making it possible for them to participate and taking their concerns seriously. Nobody should feel pressured to disclose abuse or speak for an entire community.

What we do in practice

We involve people with lived experience when developing education and prevention work, including through trustee involvement and focus groups. We use what we learn to improve our materials and activities. Participation is voluntary and we do not publish personal stories without informed consent and safeguarding consideration.

We consider barriers relating to disability, neurodivergence, age, language, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, poverty, immigration status and other circumstances. Where possible, we make reasonable adjustments and provide information in formats people can use.

Women and girls are disproportionately affected by many forms of violence and abuse. Our work also recognises boys, men and LGBTQ+ people who may face harm or play a part in preventing it. We direct safeguarding and prevention activities according to need, the evidence available and the law.

We consider digital safety, confidentiality and the risks of monitored devices or communications. We do not ask children or survivors to identify perpetrators, approach families, investigate abuse or tell personal stories for publicity.

Responsibility and learning

Freedom’s trustees are responsible for fair and safe governance. We review feedback, complaints and consultation to identify where our work could be easier to access or more inclusive. We will not pretend every service is already accessible to everyone: where barriers are identified, we aim to put them right.

Our Safeguarding Policy, Accessibility statement and Complaints procedure explain related commitments and how to raise concerns.

Questions or feedback?

If information or an activity is difficult to access, or you feel excluded, please contact Freedom. We will consider what you tell us and any practical changes needed.

If someone is in immediate danger in the UK, call 999. For safeguarding information, see our Helpline page.