A local community organisation has joined forced with domestic abuse charities and local masjids to promote the issue of domestic abuse, honour based violence and forced marriage among the local BME community.

One Voice through its Baiter Sehat campaign, in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, is teaming up with Humraaz Refuge to organise a Respect and Protect event this Sunday, February 16, at Pleckgate High School.

The event is being supported by Lancashire Council of Mosques, and will include speeches by Islamic scholars, domestic abuse victims and those working in the field.

The Baiter Sehat project has supported the local White Ribbon Campaign through working with local masjids in promoting the issue of ‘Men Against Violence Towards Women’.

A recent event at the Darassalam Education Centre on Whalley New Road in Blackburn, saw the Imam talking about domestic abuse and how it is completely unacceptable in the Islamic faith.

Zaheer Mahmud, of One Voice said: “The men of the community, alongside the religious teachers need to address the issue of domestic abuse, honour based violence and forced marriage.

“I am pleased to say that the religious organisations have shown a great willing to engage with their communities on these important issues.”

The event is free, and open to all.