Maliha Hayat-Berridge
Founder
Subsequent to a horrific experience, this led to an unwavering passion and commitment to ensure the safety, support and resolution for all victims for as long as necessary. Throughout life, I witnessed various forms of abuse, often accompanied by a significant lack of support and understanding from, both communities and law enforcement. In 1984, I encountered my first honour-based abuse case. Regrettably, police were ill-equipped to handle such a situation, let alone protect the victim. Despite my recommendations, she was relocated to a refuge without available support services. Initially I had in fact assisted the victim in communicating with police. I persisted in cautioning affiliated agencies alongside police, regarding vulnerability, and imminent threat of the individual being killed within six months of isolation, yet grave concerns were overlooked. Tragically, my predication became a reality within three months.
This marked a pivotal moment for law enforcement, as they became increasingly receptive to the guidance I provided thereafter.
Maliha began her policing career in 1984, being one of the first Asian Muslim females working for Avon and Somerset Constabulary.
Evolving into an established Strategic Lead for cultural crimes, encapsulating honour-based violence, forced marriage and domestic abuse. Upon retirement in 2018, Maliha continued pursuing her passion to support victims of crime independently. Managing cases that had either not met threshold for police involvement or where victims were failed by the system or organisations that had not followed due diligence, protocols correctly to assist.
Under Policing Commendations, Maliha was awarded recognition for three consecutive years, a clear indication of her empathy, dedication and ability to not only build rapport with victims, but her thoroughness in resolving cases. She has been the recipient of South-West Asian award for outstanding Public Service. In addition to becoming a national and international expert, having compiled guidelines for police, utilising them in providing training to officers and staff, raising awareness of unknown facts in relation to victims of abuse. Maliha has advised/provided counsel to Magistrates, Lawyers and other members of the Judiciary, delivered presentations to the House of Lords, regarding harmful cultural practices. Maliha has trained police and social services collaborating with HMIC during their inspections.
Since retirement, she has an established her independent Consultancy, Aurora 121, undertaking victim crime support, on occasions on a voluntary basis. With a proven track record of success, Maliha is recognised across countless organisations, including Police Officers whom continue contacting for specific assistance, guidance accordingly.
The primary emphasis and unequivocal objective is to ensure protection, provide solutions for the wellbeing of victims and safeguard lives. She is firmly committed to raising awareness of cultural crimes, providing assistance wherever possible, and is recognised as one the leading experts in this complex field within the country.
With an exemplary specialism the consultancy services aim to enhance comprehension and management of cultural crimes using extensive experience in addressing sensitive matters such as honour-based violence and forced marriage. I offer training to police forces, social services and legal professionals to identify, respond appropriately to cases of victims from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Strategic guidance can be proposed for organisations to navigate complex cases, ensuring effective management of legal and cultural aspects simultaneously. I remain deeply devoted in my quest to supporting victims of abuse, expanding insights into cultural crimes, whilst continuing to share expertise to achieve improved outcomes for those impacted by these difficult challenges.
Cultural Crimes Specialist, Subject Expert Honour Crimes
A Professional Practice Providing Specialist Expert Advice
Harmful Cultural Practises and Abuse | Honour Crimes | Forced Marriage
Email: maliha@Aurora121.com
Mobile: 07933 521681
www.aurora121.com