A woman who broke the silence on an honour killing that ripped apart her family life has been nominated in the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women of the Year Awards.

Sarbjit Athwal, 42, who lives in the Kingston area, has been nominated in the Women’s Warrior award category for her role in jailing the culprits who arranged the murder of her sister-in-law Surjit, who was deemed “too western” by her in laws.

The mother-of-four also became the first person within a an honour killing trial to give up her anonymity and give evidence in an open court, which resulted in her mother-in-law Bachan Athwal and brother-in-law Sukhdave Athwal to be jailed for life.

She said: “It is such a sensitive issue – I can’t say winning would mean everything to me, but it would give justice to Surjit and for other people in her position. It is not that I deserve the award, but it is the issue that deserves recognition.

“It is hard to explain how I feel. I am really pleased to be able to bring up what some women go through and share my experiences. Hopefully people can learn and break the cycle.”

Ms Athwal who is now divorced, said her strength came from her parents and Detective Chief Inspector Clive Driscoll who supported her through the ordeal that also led to her getting a stress induced stomach ulcer.

She said: “I was so close to a nervous breakdown. People used to say if you leave your husband who is going to look after you? Your kids are not going to turn out well.

“People who care should be rewarded – they make the difference. They gave me the strength and courage. That means more to me than any award. There must be so many other people that are deserving of this award.”

DCI Driscoll, who convicted the Stephen Lawrence killers, said: “The murder of Surjit Athwal would have remained unsolved but for Sarbjit’s bravery. She sacrificed her marriage and financial security to follow her principles.

“Threats to harm her and actual violence used did not deter her from giving evidence. It’s a quite remarkable story, but her courage and determination has helped other witnesses to come forward and allowed other victims to get justice.”

Ms Athwal, who works as an English tutor for Learn English and volunteers at the Metropolitan Police Football Club in East Molesey, said she was optimistic about the future and wanted to focus on her children.

She said: “My kids mean every to me. Everything I do is for them. I am also working on setting up my own charity for victims of abuse to help them with counselling and advice.”

 

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