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Honour Based Abuse

Overview

So called ‘Honour’ based abuse (HBA) is a violent crime or incident that has been committed against a partner or family member where the perpetrator or perpetrators uses the excuse that they were protecting or defending the ‘honour’ of the family or community. HBV can also be referred to as ‘Izzat’ which means ‘shame’ in some communities. It is often linked to a belief that someone has bought shame onto their family or community that goes against the traditional beliefs of their culture. Examples of excuses for ’honour’ based abuse include:

• having a partner / boyfriend / girlfriend who is from a different culture or religion
• Rejecting an arranged marriage
• Wearing clothes or acting in ways that are not considered part of the traditional culture.

Women and girls are more likely to be victims of ‘honour’ based violence, but it can also affect boys and men. ‘Honour’ based crimes can include:

• Physical abuse
• Threats of violence and forced marriage

Any type of ‘honour’ based abuse is against the law so all types should be reported! A child or young person who is at risk of ‘honour’ based abuse is at significant risk of physical harm (including being murdered – see the case of Shafilea Ahmed), and / or neglect. They may also suffer significant emotional harm, as a result of a threat of violence or witnessing violence directed towards a sibling or other family member.

Key Facts

• In the year ending March 2022, there were 2,887 HBA-related offences recorded by the police in England and Wales. This was an increase of 6 per cent compared with the year ending March 2021 (when there were 2,725 offences)¹.
• 68 HBA cases were heard at Sheffield Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences in 2021/22 (October to end September)

Best Practice

Report any concerns to the Sheffield Safeguarding Hub and / or the police as soon as possible.

When there is a risk ‘honour’ based abuse it is important to act swiftly – there may only be one chance to intervene. This is known as the ‘one chance rule’.⁴ That is, professionals may only have one opportunity to speak to a victims or potential victim and may possibly only have one chance to save a life. As a result, all professionals working within statutory agencies need to be aware of their responsibilities and obligations when they are faced with ‘honour’ based abuse cases. If the victim is allowed to leave without the appropriate support and advice being offered, that one chance might be wasted.

Resources

Sheffield Safeguarding Children Board procedures re. ‘Honour’ Based Abuse.

Charity website that explains ‘Honour’ based abuse and provides support to victims e.g. helpline.

‘Honour’ based abuse victims story.

Karma Nirvana is a charity supporting victims of ‘Honour’ Based Abuse and Forced Marriage.

IKWRO is a charity whose aim is to safeguard and empower women and girls against ‘honour’ based abuse.

References

¹ Statistics on so called ‘honour-based’ abuse offences, England and Wales, 2021 to 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

² http://sheffielddact.org.uk/domestic-abuse/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/08/Part-1-Section-9-Harmful-cultural-practices-FINAL.pdf.

³ Ibid.

⁴ Multi-agency practice guidelines: Handling cases of Forced Marriage, HM Government.