LEARNING CENTRE
‘Honour’- Based Abuse
What is it?
‘Honour’-based abuse (HBA) is carried out to “correct” behaviour or restore the reputation of a family in the community following a perceived “breach” of ‘honour’. ‘Honour’-based abuse may be verbal, physical, sexual or financial; it may also constitute various criminal offences, such as forced marriage, coercive control or murder.
There are usually multiple perpetrators, most often fathers, brothers and uncles, but female relatives can also be involved.
There is currently no official definition of HBA in the UK.
Most HBA is perpetrated against girls and women but boys and men can also be at risk.
It is estimated that at least one girl or woman is killed every month in the UK in the name of “honour”.
‘Honour’-based abuse takes place across different countries, cultures and religions. In the UK, most victims of HBA originate from South Asian countries, such as Pakistan and Bangladesh. However, Eastern European, Middle Eastern, African and traveller communities can also uphold strong ‘honour’ systems, putting people at higher risk of abuse.
‘Honour’-based abuses are wide ranging and the harms will depend on the specific circumstances of a case.
Harms may include:
- Physical and psychological injury
- Self-harm
- Lower academic performance
- Removal from education
- Isolation
- Disowned by family
- Suicide or murder
‘Honour’-based abuse (HBA) is motivated by the belief that someone in the family has brought shame or dishonour to their family or community. Examples of behaviours which can be perceived as damaging “honour” may include:
- Behaving in what is perceived to be a ‘westernised manner’ e.g. wearing makeup or certain clothing
- Going against parental authority
- Having a non-approved relationship, for example, intimate relations before/outside marriage or same sex relations
The victim is abused to “correct” the behaviour or restore the reputation of the family in the community.
There is currently no specific crime of HBA. However, abuse can be prosecuted under the current legislative powers related to the behaviours involved (e.g. assault, forced marriage, or stalking and harassment).
There may be warning signs that ‘honour’-based abuse, including forced marriage, is taking place. Please refer to the HBA Risk Assessment Tool.
Remember to safeguard siblings, acquaintances and any partner of the victim survivor.
Remember that cultural norms and interpretations of ‘honour’ can vary significantly, so what is considered dishonorable in one context may not be the same in another.
What can we do?
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger
Report to your Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Report to Social Care / MASH if appropriate
Link with a specialist agency upon obtaining consent (if the victim survivor is an adult)
Offer non-judgmental emotional support
Keep accurate records and use professional curiosity when asking questions
Don’t forget the mandatory duty to report if you are a teacher, social worker or healthcare professional.
Specialist support services for ‘honour’-based abuse
Support is available for anyone who is experiencing, or is at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse, as well as those who are worried for someone they know.
Karma Nirvana supports victim survivors of ‘honour’-based abuse and forced marriage
National helpline, Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Tel: 0800 5999 247
The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) offers advice and support to victim survivors of forced marriage, as well as guidance to professionals.
Helpline Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
Tel: 020 7008 0151
Email: fmu@fco.gov.uk
Childline 0800 1111
National helpline 24/7