How can Karma Nirvana help me?

People calling our helpline often tell us that we’re the first organisation to truly listen and understand what is happening to them. Many callers describe the experience as life changing.

Since 1993, we have helped thousands of people across the UK. This section covers what support we offer, and how we can help you.

Karma Nirvana’s National Honour Based Abuse Helpline

In 2008, we set up our free confidential helpline which supports thousands of people nationwide every year. This is available via telephone and email, and you can remain anonymous when you contact our helpline. Our calls are not recorded.

Watch more about our helpline.

We’re Here to Support You

Our trained and experienced helpline team is ready to assist, whether you’re unsure if what you’re experiencing is Honour Based Abuse or if you need emotional and practical guidance.

What to Expect When You Contact Us

We’ll begin by asking how we can help you today.
You can ask questions about your situation, Honour Based Abuse, or Karma Nirvana.
Our responses are trauma-informed, ensuring you feel heard and supported.

Why Call Us?

Many describe the experience as life-changing, as we often validate their experiences for the first time.
We provide information about services available to you.
We offer a compassionate and understanding space for open and honest conversations.

What Makes Us Different?

We are a by-and-for organisation: our staff have life experiences across various cultures, including HBA.
Our team truly understands your situation, giving you the time and space to explain without judgment.

What We Offer

A safe space to share your story at your own pace, with no pressure to answer every question.
Questions to build a full understanding of your situation helps how we can support you.
Guidance on your options, including:
- Accessing safe, temporary accommodation via the Routes to Support database (available refuge spaces across the UK).
- Ways to feel safer and more secure.
- We will signpost to local or national organisations to ensure you receive practical support tailored to your support needs.

Remember, while we provide suggestions, it is always your choice whether you wish to take these on board. We are here to listen, offer emotional and practical support, and help you understand your options.

Who is the helpline for?

Our helpline is available to all ethnic backgrounds, sexualities, gender identities and nationalities. We also offer support in Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu as well as English.

क्या आप अन्य भाषाओं में सहायता प्रदान करते हैं? हाँ, हम उर्दू, पंजाबी, हिंदी और अंग्रेज़ी में सहायता प्रदान कर सकते हैं। कृपया हमारे कॉलबैक अनुरोध फॉर्म को भरें।

ਕੀ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਹੋਰ ਭਾਸ਼ਾਵਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਦਿੰਦੇ ਹੋ? ਹਾਂ, ਅਸੀਂ ਉਰਦੂ, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, ਹਿੰਦੀ ਅਤੇ ਅੰਗ੍ਰੇਜ਼ੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਪ੍ਰਦਾਨ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਾਂ। ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਸਾਡੇ ਕਾਲਬੈਕ ਫਾਰਮ ਨੂੰ ਪੂਰਾ ਕਰੋ।

کیا آپ دیگر زبانوں میں مدد فراہم کرتے ہیں؟ جی ہاں، ہم اردو، پنجابی، ہندی اور انگریزی میں مد فراہم کر سکتے ہیں۔ براہ کرم ہماری کال بیک فارم مکمل کریں۔

Need help explaining Honour Based Abuse?

At Karma Nirvana, we recognise the complexities of Honour Based Abuse and are here to support you.

Advocacy and Communication: If you are already involved with other agencies, we can help convey your situation to ensure your voice is heard. We collaborate with various organisations across the UK to protect victims of Forced Marriage and Domestic Abuse. If necessary, we can liaise with Child Protection Services, Social Workers, and the Police while respecting your wishes.
Confidentiality: We are an independent organisation, and whether you contact us directly or are referred by another agency (such as the Police), we prioritise your needs. Your details will never be shared with other agencies without your consent.
Emotional Support: We understand that experiencing Honour Based Abuse can be isolating. Our trained team is here to listen and offer emotional support. While not all of our team members are trained counsellors, many callers report feeling relief and understanding when speaking with us. We aim to provide compassion and develop support plans tailored to your needs.
Support with Repatriation: If you find yourself taken abroad e.g. for a forced marriage, we can guide you on steps to improve your situation and help facilitate your return home, as accessing support can be challenging while overseas.

Remember, you are not alone, and we are here to help you navigate your situation.