Resolve, the UK’s leading organisation tackling anti-social behaviour and advancing community safety, joined over 100 national stakeholders in Manchester last week to mark the launch of a landmark report commissioned by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and authored by onEvidence.

The report, titled ‘Honour’-based Abuse, Forced Marriage, and Female Genital Mutilation in Greater Manchester: Scoping and Research Exercise, represents a watershed moment in victim-centred safeguarding strategy. It reveals the scale and complexity of these abuses, the diversity of those affected, and significant gaps in current service provision—particularly in safe accommodation, culturally competent support, and long-term funding for ‘by-and-for’ organisations.

Resolve was represented at the launch by Sharon McLoughlin, Head of Professional Practice, who welcomed the report’s emphasis on multi-agency collaboration and inclusive service design. “Housing providers are often the first point of contact for victims,” said McLoughlin. “This report reinforces the urgent need for trauma-informed, culturally responsive housing services that reflect the realities of those affected.”

Key Findings Relevant to Housing Providers

• Severe under-reporting due to stigma, fear, and mistrust of services

• Diverse victim groups, including 33 ethnicities, men, and LGBTQ+ individuals

• Complex family dynamics, with abuse often involving multiple perpetrators

• Service gaps in safe accommodation, interpreters, and tailored support

Strategic Opportunities for the Housing Sector

Resolve urges housing providers to take proactive steps, including:

• Training frontline staff in recognising and responding to honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and FGM

• Establishing clear referral pathways with specialist organisations

• Reviewing housing stock to ensure safe, confidential options for those at risk

• Improving data collection and reporting to support national standards

• Advocating for ring-fenced funding and recognition of housing’s central role in safeguarding

Sector recommendations

Resolve ASB members are encouraged to adopt SMART goals, embed safeguarding protocols into tenancy and ASB casework, and champion inclusive housing support for all victim groups. Active participation in multi-agency safeguarding arrangements and policy advocacy is essential to closing the gaps identified in the report.

“This is a call to action,” added McLoughlin. “Housing must be recognised not just as shelter, but as a frontline safeguard against hidden harms.”

📄 Download the full report: GMCA Launches Landmark Report on Honour-Based Abuse, Forced Marriage, and Female Genital Mutilation