A LEADING councillor is urging women in abusive relationships to contact the authorities for help following the conviction of Mehmet Goren for killing his 15-year-old daughter.

Goren, 49, of Navestock Crescent, Woodford Green, was this week jailed for life for murdering his daughter Tulay to protect his family “honour”.

Two of the girl's uncles, Cuma Goren, 43, of Evesham Avenue, Walthamstow, and Ali Goren, 56, of Brettenham Road, Walthamstow, were acquitted.

Afzal Akram, the council's cabinet member for community safety, welcomed Goren's conviction.

Cllr Akram said: “There is no honour in killing a member of your own family and the whole community will be absolutely horrified that the defendant believed this was an acceptable and appropriate punishment to mete out on a young and defenceless teenager.”

Cllr Akram's comments come just weeks after a refuge for women at risk of honour-based violence or forced marriage opened in the borough.

The Saranaya refuge is only the second of its kind and both refuges are run by the Ashiana Network in Waltham Forest.

Cllr Akram said: “We are working exceptionally hard with our partners to eradicate this issue and that of forced marriage in Waltham Forest.

“I would urge anyone who is worried about their own safety or that of a friend or family member to contact the police or the council and we will arrange for them to receive the help and support they need to escape from an abusive relationship.”

For more information about Ashiana visit www.ashiana.org.uk

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