So called ‘honour’-based abuse, Forced Marriage & FGM

Honour Based Abuse (HBA) is a range of actions that are used to control behaviour within families or other social groups, to protect perceived cultural and religious beliefs or honour.

This type of abuse can occur when perpetrators perceive that a relative has shamed the family or the community by breaking their code of honour. This could be by wearing unapproved makeup or clothing, having a relationship with someone that isn’t approved of, acts of intimacy in public, rejecting a forced marriage, getting pregnant outside marriage, or wanting a divorce. There are many other reasons too.

HBA obviously has harmful consequences. Examples of this are forced marriage, female genital mutilation, breast flattening and conversion therapy of LGBTQ+ people.

It can also include (this list is not exhaustive):

Murder
Attempted or actual forced marriage
Controlling sexual activity
Domestic abus
Child abuse
Rape
Kidnapping
False imprisonment
Assault
Harassment and
Forced abortion

What does the law say about Honour Based Abuse

There is no specific offence of ‘honour based crime’ and the term Honour Based Abuse (HBA) is used to encompass various criminal offences that are covered by existing legislation. HBA is recognised by the government as a form of domestic violence and abuse and they define this as ‘any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.

What can practitioners do

Addressing honor-based abuse requires a multifaceted approach involving education, awareness, and support.

Equation offer training on HBA where practitioners can learn to spot the potential signs and respond appropriately, providing a safe space for people to get help. Find out more here.

Governments, community organizations, and individuals all have a role to play in creating a society that rejects honor-based abuse and promotes respect for human rights and individual autonomy.