Sarbjit Athwal
Founder of True Honour
Survivor of Honour Based Violence and a Forced Marriage. Former Police Community Support Officer, Author of ‘Shamed’. Founder of True Honour. International Speaker and Campaigner.
SURVIVOR
– Sarbjit was just 19 when she got married and moved into the house of her husband's very strict family which included her mother-in-law, her husband’s brother and his wife.
Her sister-in-law, Surjit, was more rebellious and as a consequence was regularly beaten for her disobedience. When the family found out she was having an affair, drastic action was taken. They took her to a family wedding in India, where her mother-in-law arranged for her to be drugged, strangled, and thrown into a river.
When Sarbjit found out what had happened to her sister-in-law she was terrified and was told that if she said a word the same thing would happen to her. Consequently, she was forced into silence. However, the stress nearly killed her and she was rushed into hospital.
Having lived under threats for many years, fear was her normality. Lying in hospital being told it was a matter of life or death, Sarbjit began working behind the family's back and became the key witness for the prosecution and murder trial. Her story is told in ‘Shamed’.
FORMER POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICER
Sarbjit started her career with the Metropolitan Police Service in 2008 after giving evidence in the murder trial at The Old Bailey. Whilst working within the police force she learnt that there was a lack of knowledge, cultural understanding, and awareness which made it very difficult for officers to engage and investigate honour crimes. Sarb also assisted other boroughs when dealing with HBV crimes and helped victims to come forward. She has also lectured at Hendon Police College.
AUTHOR OF 'SHAMED'
- This book will take you through Sarb’s journey and how she survived living in a family who believed honour was worth more than a woman's life. To increase awareness on HBV & FM, this is a MUST read for all.
True Honour was founded after breaking the silence and standing up for justice. Sarb now works with police forces around the country and internationally, ensuring that police officers have the right knowledge and understanding when supporting victims of these crimes. As a survivor, Sarb’s first-hand experience and real life trauma is shared with officers to help them understand HBV and FM crimes better, which in turn enables them to empathise with the trauma victims go through when living under these circumstances. Sarb is a key speaker at the House of Commons. She also works with the Home Office, Local Authorities, Education Sector, and Partner Agencies.
Sarb is very passionate about supporting other victims of honour crimes sending out a strong message that victims do not have to suffer in the way she did. The only way to achieve this is by working collaboratively with one another, to gain a better understanding of the religious and cultural backgrounds of victims.
Sarb’s work has been recognized by many:
2015 -
ITV Crime and Investigations
2014
-
Women Of Power Conference– Storm Empowerment
2014 - True Honour Award – IKWRO
2013 - Bravest Woman Award – Best Magazine
2013 - Women's Warrior of the Year at the - Cosmopolitan's magazine
2007
-
Bravery and Honesty - Assistant Commissioner New Scotland Yard