IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER,
DIAL 911 OR YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES.

To speak anonymously with a compassionate, non-judgmental crisis counselor 24/7, individuals facing honor violence and forced marriage can now
text HELLO to 741-741. Texts are private and secure.

 

 

LEGAL GUIDES FOR SURVIVORS OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (FGM) IN THE U.S.

These guides intend to advise survivors of FGM of their legal rights and remedies under the laws of various states. AHA Foundation is hard at work with White & Case LLP and Reed Smith LLP to complete guides for several more states and will be adding new ones as they become available.
We hope these will help survivors navigate through the often complex legal frameworks in place across the U.S.—and thus aid them in finding justice for the horrific experiences they have endured.
 
An introduction to the Legal Guides from our Executive Director
 

For a national and state-by-state guide of resources where you can go for help, please see our Resource Directory.

Resource Directory (PDF)

The US Department of State’s highest priority overseas is the protection and welfare of US citizens. If you or someone you know is a US citizen and could be or has been a victim of forced marriage overseas, please call the US Embassy/Consulate nearest you.

You can also call the Department of State at 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except US federal holidays).
For further information and local embassy and consulate contact details, please refer to the Country Specific Information section on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

Bureau of Consular Affairs

If you or someone you know is at risk from honor violence, empower yourself to stay safe with our Know Your Rights brochure.

Know Your Rights Brochure

Ayaan Hirsi Ali

For a national and state-by-state guide of resources where you can go for help, please see our Resource Directory.

Resource Directory (PDF)

The US Department of State’s highest priority overseas is the protection and welfare of US citizens. If you or someone you know is a US citizen and could be or has been a victim of forced marriage overseas, please call the US Embassy/Consulate nearest you.

You can also call the Department of State at 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except US federal holidays).
For further information and local embassy and consulate contact details, please refer to the Country Specific Information section on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

Bureau of Consular Affairs

If you or someone you know is at risk from honor violence, empower yourself to stay safe with our Know Your Rights brochure.

Know Your Rights Brochure

 

SURVIVORS' SUPPORT GROUP IN CHICAGO:

If you are a survivor of FGM/C in Chicago in need of support, you are not alone.

Please get in touch if you would like to attend a session of our FGM/C survivors group led by a recovery specialist. This group, held on the last Thursday of every month, provides survivors with specialized psychological support to enable them to recover from their trauma to the best extent possible. 

CONTACT US NOW

 

Our supporters’ messages of encouragement for individuals suffering honor violence and abuse

“Dearest you. I don't know you, and I probably never will. But I always think of you and I want you to know that even though we will never meet, I will always fight for you. Even though we will never speak, I will be your voice.

You are not alone. You are loved.

And if it takes all of us to change the world for you, then that's what we will do. We are one, and we will move mountains for you. Think of me, as I think of you. Be strong. ”
― Paola


“"One day in the very near future you will be free to be whoever you want to be". That’s what I use to tell my little girls when I was trapped in a violent marriage I was forced into at the age of 13 years old. It took many, many years for me to find my voice and the help I needed to escape that marriage, but it finally happened for us and now we are free. Please always remember you are not alone in whatever situation you are in, and that there are people like the AHA Foundation who can and will help you. Never lose hope that things will change for the better, because hope is a very powerful tool to use against your abuser.”
― Gabriella Gillespie


"You are not alone, I promise you. There are thousands of people who would give you love and support, you just need to reach out and find them. Do not be afraid to get help, being happy is your right and if it is not given to you, then you must take it. Stay strong <3"
― Sofia A


 

Read More Messages

Send Message of Support

 

Our supporters’ messages of encouragement for individuals suffering honor violence and abuse

“Dearest you. I don't know you, and I probably never will. But I always think of you and I want you to know that even though we will never meet, I will always fight for you. Even though we will never speak, I will be your voice.

You are not alone. You are loved.

And if it takes all of us to change the world for you, then that's what we will do. We are one, and we will move mountains for you. Think of me, as I think of you. Be strong. ”
― Paola


“"One day in the very near future you will be free to be whoever you want to be". That’s what I use to tell my little girls when I was trapped in a violent marriage I was forced into at the age of 13 years old. It took many, many years for me to find my voice and the help I needed to escape that marriage, but it finally happened for us and now we are free. Please always remember you are not alone in whatever situation you are in, and that there are people like the AHA Foundation who can and will help you. Never lose hope that things will change for the better, because hope is a very powerful tool to use against your abuser.”
― Gabriella Gillespie


"You are not alone, I promise you. There are thousands of people who would give you love and support, you just need to reach out and find them. Do not be afraid to get help, being happy is your right and if it is not given to you, then you must take it. Stay strong <3"
― Sofia A


 

Read More Messages

Send Message of Support