Karma Nirvana is a pioneering UK charity supporting victims of forced marriage and so-called “honour”-based abuse. Founded by survivor Jasvinder Sanghera in 1993, the organisation’s name symbolises the goal of peace and enlightenment after escaping oppressive familial or cultural expectations. Many survivors contact Karma Nirvana’s helpline because they face threats, forced marriage, violence, or ostracism, if they don’t comply with family demands. This intersects with family law when an individual needs protective orders, or even to nullify an illegal or forced marriage.
The charity’s helpline staff offer emotional support, risk assessments, and information on legal remedies like Forced Marriage Protection Orders (FMPOs). They also guide survivors through divorce or separation if they’re already coerced into a marital arrangement. Since forced marriage often involves complicated family dynamics (e.g., extended relatives in the UK and abroad), Karma Nirvana collaborates with the government’s Forced Marriage Unit and local authorities to prevent overseas abductions or “holiday traps.” Their outreach includes training for police, social workers, and family-court professionals -encouraging these agencies to recognise red flags and respond swiftly to forced-marriage or “honour”-based abuse cases.
Key Services
- Confidential Helpline: Guidance, risk assessments, and signposting to relevant legal or support services.
- Forced Marriage Protection Orders: Support survivors in applying for FMPOs to block or dissolve forced marriages.
- Community Outreach & Training: Equips professionals with cultural competencies to spot and handle “honour”-based violence.
- Policy Advocacy: Campaigns for stronger legislation and better enforcement around forced marriage and abuse.
Why It’s Valuable
Forced marriage and “honour”-based abuse remain underreported crimes, partly because victims fear family or community repercussions if they speak out. Karma Nirvana provides a safe, understanding environment that breaks through the isolation, survivors learn their experiences are valid, and legal protection does exist.
The charity’s consistent push to reform family court practices means that judges and CAFCASS officers become more aware of how cultural coercion can shape contact disputes or property settlements. By addressing these cultural and legal complexities head-on, Karma Nirvana ensures no one is trapped in a marriage against their will or forced to sacrifice safety for family pressures. Their helpline and policy efforts collectively champion the right to personal autonomy, forging a pathway to freedom for those caught in destructive traditions.
Website: https://karmanirvana.org.uk/
Registered Charity Number: 1106864