YOUNG people have been given a voice and they are not afraid to broach the sensitive subject of honour-based violence.

As part of Jeena International’s work, a Youth Advocate group has been established.

A group of young people aged 16 to 19 have been given training enabling them to go in to schools and speak to pupils about sensitive topics, educating them on the indicators to look out for and the correct steps to take when it comes to fears over honour-based violence.

Two Youth Advocates are Zina Younes and Amal Haque, both 17-year-old Muslims from Slough.

Zina said: “We raise awareness of domestic abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriages and other honour-based violence. I think if our generation gets educated, there will be less cases like this.”

Amal said: “Young people are often overlooked and spoken for. People aren’t necessarily willing to hear our voices yet but it’s a stepping stone and it’s created a platform for young voices.”

Rani Bilkhu, founder of Jeena International, says the Young Advocates are 'game-changers’ and that having this point of contact with someone of a younger generation gives pupils the confidence to speak out or to find out how to access organisations like Jeena, the NSPCC or the police.

Mrs Bilkhu added: “The most important thing is to raise awareness.”

The girls have now completed their training and will start to visit schools from September.

For more information visit www.jeenainternational.org