Savera UK is one of the leading charities tackling culturally-specific abuse, including forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM) and ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA), in the UK

Liverpool-born television actor Sunetra Sarker has agreed to be a celebrity ambassador for a Liverpool-based charity that ‘culturally-specific abuse’.

Savera UK is one of the leading charities tackling culturally-specific abuse, including forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM) and ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA), in the UK.

Sunetra is best known for her roles as Nisha Batra in Scouse soap, Brookside, Zoe Hanna in Casualty, and Kaneez Paracha in Ackley Bridge. She was also partnered with Brendan Cole to compete in Strictly Come Dancing in 2014.

She broadened her knowledge on harmful practices when filming an episode of Casualty featuring the topic of FGM. Her research brought her into contact with FGM survivors and support groups  and encouraged her to support Savera UK’s Speak Out campaign.

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The campaign aims to eliminate honour-based abuse and harmful practices by educating and empowering people speak out against them. The organisation also provides life-saving services to those at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices, regardless of their age, culture, sexuality or gender.

Sunetra said: “I come from a family that stood up for its beliefs and for women’s rights. I know how we can make a difference when we unite our voices and bring subjects to the forefront. 

“If we don’t speak out on behalf of those that have suffered and are suffering, then we cannot expect change and this is ultimately what is required. I want young girls in difficult positions to feel their abuse is valid and they need to be made more aware so it can be stopped as soon as possible.”

Sunetra joins BBC Radio 1 Presenter, Maya Jama, also a celebrity ambassador for the organisation and Nazir Azfal, the former Chief Prosecutor for North West England, who is Patron of the charity.

Afrah Qassim, Founder of Savera UK, said: “We are so excited to have Sunetra on board. She is willing to speak out with us and use her voice and public profile to help raise awareness for our work. Together, I am certain we can raise even more awareness and start bringing about real changes.”