A new consultancy has been set-up by to inform and assist local organisations on the issue of forced marriages and honour' killings.
Mussurut Zia is the sole director of Practical Solutions in Lancashire and also works in conjunction with the police to deal with the controversial matter.
She had previously worked with a forced marriage unit in London for six years and the British High Commission.
"I know a great deal about the subject," she said. "I have also been involved in projects concerning domestic violence and I think this consultancy is necessary.
"In my employer's capacity, I once worked for a Hate, Crime and Diversity Unit. During my time there, I dealt with a number of incidents where people had gone missing, as a result of forced marriages or marriages that were about to be forced on them."
Mussurut believes that education and health authorities have no practical experience in dealing with cases like these.
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"I think that more awareness is needed in our own communities too," she continued. "I do understand that forced marriages do not occur in every single household, but everybody must notice that this type of offence is committed. Culturally, it may be acceptable, but morally, it is not."
"I do feel we as a community seem to be in denial about the issue and some sections do not feel it happens at all.
"During my time at the Police I have found there is still a lack of understanding of forced marriages within the Asian community."
"Procedures may have started to change at certain levels but the mindset has not."
As well as dealing with forced marriages, Mussurut has also worked in a voluntary sector with disadvantaged communities who have suffered from economic difficulties and poor education.
She added, "Due to a change in role I can't devote the necessary time to this issue so I am now doing so on an independent basis."
If anyone would like to contact Practical Solutions, their number is : 07967 655063. Anyone who would like to speak to Mussurut can e-mail her at mussurut@hotmail.com.
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