Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · 14d

Our counselling referral places are now OPEN! We offer a safe and supportive space where survivors of HBA can access trauma-informed therapy.

💙 Confidential. Compassionate. Accessible.

🔗https://karmanirvana.org.uk/get-help/karma-nirvanas-counselling-service/

#counselling #HonourBasedAbuse

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Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · 23d

📢 We’re thrilled to announce that our Executive Director, Natasha Rattu, will join the panel for “Why do we need to talk about domestic abuse?” at this year's #LIFI!

🗓️ 16 October 2025
⏰ 7:30pm — 9:00pm
📍 Leeds Playhouse

🎟️ Tickets: leedsinternationalfestival.com/event/why-do...

#Leeds

Why do we need to talk about domestic abuse? | LIFI - Leeds International Festival of Ideas

Leeds International Festival of Ideas.

leedsinternationalfestival.com

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Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · 27d

🕊️ #WeRemember Shafilea Ahmed 🕊️

Today, we pause to honour the memory of Shafilea Ahmed, whose life was tragically cut short 22 years ago on this date.

We are deeply grateful to Shafilea’s friend Melissa for her dedication to keeping Shafilea's memory alive.

#WeRemember #HonourBasedAbuse

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Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Sep 9

Today, #WeRemember Robina 🤍

On her birthday, we honour Robina, the sister of our founder Dame Jasvinder Sanghera. Robina’s memory is the reason Karma Nirvana exists, and her life continues to inspire our mission.

Happy Birthday Robina 💛

#HonourBasedAbuse

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Reposted by Karma Nirvana

Galop @galopuk.bsky.social · Sep 5

On Sunday, the UK government will send an emergency alert test to every mobile and tablet that's 4G and 5G compatible. The test will set off a loud siren-like alert for roughly 10 seconds, even if your device is on silent or do not disturb.

To make sure your device stays silent, follow this guide ⬇️

Galop @galopuk.bsky.social · Aug 31

If you have a secret or hidden phone, the government's Emergency Alerts could reveal your device, even if it's on silent or do not disturb.

The government is testing emergency alerts on Sunday 7 September. If you're worried this could reveal a phone, you can follow this guide to turn off the alerts

How to keep your phone safe from Emergency Alerts.

Steps to secure your iPhone
1. Search your settings for 'emergency alerts'
2. Turn off 'Severe alerts' and 'Emergency alerts'
3. If this does not work, contact your device manufacturer.

Steps to secure your Android:
1. Search your settings 'emergency alerts'
2. Turn off 'Severe alerts' and 'Emergency alerts'
3. On Huawei devices running EMUI 11 or older, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off 'Extreme threats', 'Severe threats', and 'Show amber alerts'
4. If this does not work, contact your device manufacturer.

Other mobile phones and tablets:
Depending on your software version or phone manufacturer, emergency alert settings may be called different names. They could be called 'wireless emergency alerts' or 'emergency broadcasts'.

You can usually find these settings in one of the following ways.
- Go to 'message', then 'message settings', then 'wireless emergency alerts', then 'alert'
- Go to ‘settings’, then ‘sounds’, then ‘advanced’, then ‘emergency broadcasts’
- Go to ‘settings’, then ‘general settings’, then ‘emergency alerts’
Then turn off ‘severe alerts’, ‘extreme alerts’ and ‘test alerts’.

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Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Sep 4

✨ Happy Birthday Fawziyah ✨

We remember her life, her light, and her legacy. Fawziyah’s story, told through The Push documentary, led to the creation of the #Push4Change campaign, calling for stronger protections for victims of Honour Based Abuse.

#WeRemember

Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Sep 2

🕯️ Today marks 4 years since the murder of Fawziyah Javed.

This video, part of our Day of Memory 2025 Memory Box created with her mother, Yasmin, honours Fawziyah for who she truly was, a beloved daughter, and light in the lives of so many

📽️ youtu.be/FB_F-HBNLuw

#WeRemember #FawziyahJaved

Fawziyah Javed - Memory Box - 2025

YouTube video by Karma Nirvana

youtu.be

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Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Aug 26

A message from Yasmin Javed, mother of Fawziyah Javed, and Natasha Rattu, the Executive Director of Karma Nirvana, on the government announcement to introduce a statutory definition for HBA.

#Push4Change #HonourBasedAbuse

Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Aug 26

"A new legal definition of “honour-based” abuse will be introduced to crack down on violence against women and girls (Vawg), the Government has said."

www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/crime/l...

Leeds charity wins campaign for legal definition of 'honour-based' abuse

A new legal definition of “honour-based” abuse will be introduced to crack down on violence against women and girls (Vawg), the Government has said.

www.yorkshirepost.co.uk

Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Aug 26

"The government has announced new measures to combat "honour-based" abuse (HBA), which encompasses crimes such as female genital mutilation and forced marriage, driven by the perception of shame."

www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/new...

New measures to target ‘honour-based’ abuse

www.independent.co.uk

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Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Aug 26

New measures will be introduced to tackle so-called “honour-based” abuse, the Government has announced.

www.itv.com/news/2025-08...

www.itv.com

Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Aug 26

Ministers are introducing a clearer legal definition of “honour”-based abuse in an attempt to catch more perpetrators and protect women and girls from violence and coercion.

www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

UK to clarify definition of ‘honour’-based abuse in drive to cut violence against women and girls

Law change, professional training and awareness campaign part of Labour’s pledge to halve violence against women and girls

www.theguardian.com

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Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Aug 26

Minister Jess Phillips Visits Karma Nirvana and Announces 6 New Measures to Tackle HBA in the UK 🕊️

This visit accompanies the announcement of 6 new measures, including the announcement of an intention to introduce a statutory definition for HBA

Read more: karmanirvana.org.uk/news-item/mi...

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Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Aug 11

Looking for a new role? ✨

📍 Entry-Level Call Handler (Office-Based)

🏡 Experienced Call Handler (Hybrid)

Apply today and help us save lives: karmanirvana.org.uk/about/vacanc...

#honourbasedabuse #jobs #jobsearch

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Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Aug 8

🚨 We’re Hiring! Two New Roles on Our National Helpline 🚨

📍 Entry-Level Call Handler (Office-Based)

🏡 Experienced Call Handler (Hybrid)

Apply today and help us save lives: karmanirvana.org.uk/about/vacanc...

#honourbasedabuse #helpline #forcedmarriage #jobs #jobsearch

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Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Aug 5

Our animation, “The Roots of Honour Based Abuse”, explores how deeply held beliefs can entangle individuals in cycles of control and fear. but also how breaking free is possible, and profoundly brave.

🎥: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pXI...

#HonourBasedAbuse #SouthAsianHeritageMonth

The Roots of Honour Based Abuse

YouTube video by Karma Nirvana

www.youtube.com

Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Aug 5

At Karma Nirvana, we recognise that for many, this journey is not a straight path. For survivors of HBA, the routes taken can be incredibly painful. Leaving behind family, community, or cultural expectations in pursuit of safety requires unimaginable strength. 🕊️

#SouthAsianHeritageMonth

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Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Aug 5

Each of us carries a unique story shaped by our roots and the routes travelled. This year, we invite you to reflect on your journey and read reflections from our team and SAP as part of South Asian Heritage Month

#HonourBasedAbuse #SouthAsianHeritageMonth

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Reposted by Karma Nirvana

respectuk.bsky.social @respectuk.bsky.social · Jul 31

We had a great Q&A with Karma Nirvana as part of South Asian Heritage Month.

@karmanirvana.bsky.social was founded in 1993 and was the first specialist charity for victims and survivors of Honour Based Abuse in the UK. They support, empower, & educate, so that all can live a life free of abuse.

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Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Jul 31

These figures remind us how vital our work remains, and how much more needs to be done.

📘 Our full data publication for 24/25 will be available soon. Visit our website to read our past data publications: 🔗 karmanirvana.org.uk/data/nationa...

#Helpline #ForcedMarriage #HonourBasedAbuse #Data

National Helpline Data by Karma Nirvana - Karma Nirvana

Facts and figures, drawn from calls to our national Helpline, which shine the spotlight on the extent of Honour Based Abuse.

karmanirvana.org.uk

Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Jul 31

Over half were new cases, and nearly half of all cases came from professionals.

🔵 52% of victims still do not report abuse due to fear of repercussions.
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Most perpetrators were partners/ex-partners, parents, or in-laws.
👥 The majority of victims were aged 18–35.

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Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Jul 31

📊 Helpline Insights 2024/25

Between April 2024 to March 2025, our helpline supported over 3,000 cases and responded to 10,846 contacts, which is a 12% increase year on year in contacts.

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Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Jul 29

Join us online for our next training session on Wed, 24 Sep 2025 13:00 - 15:00 BST!

Read more: karmanirvana.org.uk/training/our...
Book tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gaining-co...

#Training #HonourBasedAbuse #ForcedMarriage #safeguardingtraining #Safeguarding #Frontline

Introductory Eventbrite Courses - Karma Nirvana

Our 2-hour Introductory Course is crafted to provide professionals with a foundational understanding of HBA and Forced Marriage.

karmanirvana.org.uk

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Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Jul 28

This poem was written by one of our incredible counselling clients. Shared with courage, it reflects the strength, healing, and hope that can grow after experiencing HBA 💛

Read more about our counselling service - karmanirvana.org.uk/get-help/kar...

#HonourBasedAbuse #counselling

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Karma Nirvana @karmanirvana.bsky.social · Jul 25

To honour those lost to HBA on the Day of Memory 2025, the @msichoices.org team created a reflective space in their clinic waiting room. A heartfelt thank you to the staff 💙

Want to spotlight your Day of Memory actions? Contact us at [email protected].

#WeRemember #HonourBasedAbuse

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