It’s White Ribbon Day, an international campaign focused on ending violence against women and girls. It encourages individuals—especially men and boys—to take a stand against gender-based violence by challenging harmful attitudes, behaviours, and cultures that perpetuate inequality and abuse.  Today, Oldham Safeguarding Adults Board (OSAB) are focusing on So-Called Honour-Based Violence and Abuse (HBVA).

One Chance Rule: So-Called Honour-Based Violence and Abuse + Forced Marriage Procedure and Guidance Resources
OSAB are pleased to launch two new essential resources. Both documents are titled One Chance Rule as a practitioner may only have One Chance to speak to a potential victim and have One Chance to save a life.

So-Called Honour-Based Violence and Abuse Procedure and Guidance 
The first resource has been developed to assist practitioners working with children and adults in Oldham to respond to So-Called HBVA concerns and covers:

  • Why does So-Called HBVA Happen?
  • Possible indicators of So-Called HBVA and the impact on victims
  • Types of So-Called HBVA
  • How to respond including flowcharts outlining how to report So-Called HBVA

There are also important details included about supporting and advising victims, record keeping and confidentiality and links to further useful resources.
OSAB & OSCP One Chance Rule: So-Called Honour-Based Violence and Abuse Procedure and Guidance

Forced Marriage Procedure and Guidance
The second resource concerns Forced Marriage and includes:

  • What forced marriage is
  • The differences between forced and arranged marriage
  • The misconceptions of forced marriage being confined to a certain religious group or culture
  • Details about when to contact the Forced Marriage Unit and about Forced Marriage Prevention Orders
  • Safety actions to be taken related to overseas travel
  • Additional crucial Information required such as gathering information about intended spouse, travel etc
  • Details about capacity to consent to marriage and the Mental Capacity Act.

OSAB & OSCP One Chance Rule: Forced Marriage Procedure and Guidance

Training Opportunity
Why not attend the in person So-Called HBVA training? The course is delivered by members of Oldham’s Independent Domestic Violence Advisory (IDVA) team with the aims of equipping you with enhanced knowledge and skills to identify and respond appropriately to So-Called HBVA.


Further Resources
So-Called HBVA Power and Control Wheel
This visual tool illustrates the various tactics a perpetrator may use to maintain power and control over a victim. The wheel shows that abuse is not only physical—it often includes emotional, psychological, financial, and other forms of coercion, such as intimidation, isolation, and manipulation. Its purpose is to help people understand the dynamics of So-Called HBVA and recognise patterns.

Domestic Abuse Support in Oldham - Questions to Ask Victims and Pathways
A simple guide to supporting individuals in Oldham who are suffering or who have suffered domestic abuse is available. If someone makes a disclosure, practitioners are asked to follow the guide to address their immediate safety, it provides questions to ask, safety advice and the referral pathway to MARAC (multi-agency risk assessment conference). The guide also provides contact details for specialist services and helpful information to ensure you know how to respond and provide the correct information.
Domestic Abuse Support in Oldham - Questions to Ask Victims and Pathways

More Resources
Take a look at Oldham’s Domestic Abuse Strategy, Policy and many more useful resources: Oldham Domestic Abuse Strategy and Resources