Honour-based Abuse

‘Honour’-based abuse is often referred to as ‘so-called’ because there is a need to be clear that there is no honour in abusing someone. As seen in the definition below, ‘honour’-based abuse is often carried out to prevent, or as a result of, the person being thought to be bringing shame on their family or the wider community. Transgressions can be relatively minor, but the consequences are significant, potentially resulting in death.

‘Honour’-based abuse, is mainly directed at women and girls but men and boys can be subjected this abuse, too. More recently, there has been a move to highlight the under-reported issue of male victim survivors of ‘honour’-based abuse. Males experiencing ‘honour’-based abuse may be those deemed to be in an inappropriate relationship, gay or those supporting the victim survivor of other abuse.

Such abuse comes under the umbrella term of harmful practices and is also recognised to be part of domestic abuse.

So-called ‘honour’-based abuse might include actual or threatened psychological harm, physical harm, sexual harm, financial abuse and or emotional abuse. This could include things like common assault, grievous bodily harm, harassment, kidnap, rape, threats to kill and murder. Additionally, the Crown Prosecution Service recognises that ‘honour’-based crimes could also include forced marriage, attempted murder, manslaughter, procuring an abortion, encouraging or assisting suicide, conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit assault.

Something being linked to a person’s faith or culture is not an excuse for child abuse. Whilst we should be aware that culture and faith are an important part of many families’ lives, as professionals we must maintain a culturally competent approach – not alienating the families we are working with, but not losing sight of any potential harm.

Home Office statistics report that in the year ending March 2025, there were 2,949 ‘honour’-based abuse related offences recorded by the police in England and Wales, a 7% increase compared with the year ending March 2024.

Of those offences:

· 22% were controlling and coercive behaviour

· 13% were assault by injury

· 10% were rape of female aged 16 and over

· 9% were stalking

It is widely recognised that so-called ‘honour’-based abuse is under-reported. This might be due to fear, family pressure and stigma. Isolation and a lack of awareness of what support might be available could also be barriers to reporting.

Karma Nirvana, the UK’s first and longest-running specialist charity for victims and survivors of so-called ‘honour’-based abuse and forced marriage, reports that in 2024/2025 their helpline received an average of 904 contacts per month.

Most incidents of so-called ‘honour’-based abuse occur when it is perceived that the victim has brought or may bring shame on their family and/or on the wider community, in effect tarnishing the image of their family or community. ‘Honour’-based abuse is not linked to any specific community and cuts across various nationalities, cultures, faith groups and communities.

The abuse may be ‘justified’ on grounds such as that a person:

• is perceived to have disrespected tradition or aspects of a culture/religion;

• has used drugs or alcohol;

• has accessed further education or sought employment;

• has worn unapproved make-up or clothing;

• is having an unapproved relationship;

• has engaged in intimacy in a public place;

• has rejected a forced marriage;

• is pregnant outside of marriage;

• has been a victim of rape;

• is in an inter-faith relationship;

• has left a spouse or sought a divorce;

• has additional needs;

• identifies as LGBTQ+.

When working with parents and carers, practitioners should prioritise a child-centred approach, fostering partnerships to ensure understanding, support and safety.

Remember:

Collaborative efforts are crucial, especially in cases of suspected harm.

Practitioners must engage effectively with diverse families, demonstrating empathy, respect and cultural awareness.

Communication should be clear, inclusive and accessible. Encouraging parental/carer involvement in decision-making and valuing their input is essential.

Involving families and communities in designing processes fosters a holistic approach to safeguarding children.

Continuous reflection and adaptation based on feedback from parents and carers enhance practice effectiveness.

Have you considered if:

• your setting is consciously working in an anti-racist and anti-discriminatory way and viewing safeguarding data and practices through an equality lens?

• the setting has ensured that student and family groups with protected characteristics are identified and supported?

• the setting’s safeguarding policy and any strategies related to safeguarding are easy to understand and accessible to all parents and carers, with consideration given to things like literacy, language and disability?

• the setting has ensured that all parents and carers know where to access up to date and evidence-based information about child development, definitions of child abuse and the laws which prevent harmful practices in the UK?