A NEW initiative to provide support for victims of domestic violence and forced marriages has been launched in Birmingham.

Throughcare Housing and Support is a charity project that provides accommodation and support for victims, and has already received backing from the Police Domestic Violence Unit, the Crown Prosecution Service as well as local and national government.

The initiative is the brainchild of successful local businesswoman Kelly Kaur, who herself experienced homelessness following a refusal to take part in a forced marriage. Kelly is determined to ensure that those who face domestic abuse and forced marriages have access to a refuge where they will be given the physical and emotional support they need to recover from their experiences.

Said Kelly: "By creating awareness and educating communities of both men and women of all ages in recognising domestic abuse in all its forms, we can arm people with the knowledge to prevent, recognise and seek the support, guidance and refuge they need. Throughcare Housing and Support helps victims to recover from their ordeal and find the emotional support they need to go on and make a valuable contribution to the society we share."

She added: "It is completely unacceptable in this day and age for the continuation of ancient cultural practices that ignore the human rights of individuals. That’s why we are working hard to lobby government to ensure that more will be done to raise awareness of the issues and to encourage action, at both local and national government level, to deter the perpetrators of social crimes."

The launch of Throughcare Housing and Support will be marked by a glittering gala event, at Second City Suite in Birmingham on 12 September where pop group Saqi Live will be perform alongside the Nachda Sansar dance troupe.

Further details about the event are available by calling Throughcare on 0121 554 3920 or by emailing throughcarehousing-support@hotmail.com.

Further information about Throughcare Housing and Support is available at www.throughcare.com.