Honour-Based Abuse (HBA) is a term used to describe a range of abusive and violent behaviours carried out in the name of so-called "honour." It can include offences such as physical violence, emotional and psychological abuse, controlling or coercive behaviour, threats, forced marriage, and in the most extreme cases, murder.
These acts are often committed by family members or people in the community who believe someone has brought "shame" or "dishonour" to a family or group. For some people, the concept of "honour" is prized above the safety and wellbeing of individuals, and to compromise a family’s "honour" is to bring dishonour and shame – which can have severe consequences. As a result, this can be used to justify many types of abuse.
Honour-Based Abuse is not a cultural tradition or religious practice; it is a form of abuse that can occur within any community, regardless of faith or background.
It can take many forms, and includes the following crimes:
- Domestic Abuse (including Physical, sexual, and economic abuse or coercive control) – Various forms of domestic abuse are illegal and are covered under laws aimed at protecting individuals from abuse in all forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse, among others, as well as coercive control
- Child Marriage – It is illegal in England and Wales to get married under the age of 18.
- Forced Marriage – Forced Marriage is illegal, and Forced Marriage Protection Orders (FMPOs) can be issued to protect individuals at risk.
- Virginity Testing – As of 2022, Virginity testing is illegal in the UK under The Health and Care Act 2022.
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) – FGM is a criminal offence under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003, which applies to performing FGM within the UK, taking someone abroad to have FGM performed (even if the procedure is legal in that country), and assisting, encouraging, or arranging FGM, whether in the UK or abroad.
Perpetrators of Honour-Based Abuse are often partners or ex-partners of the person, or family members. Most people experience abuse from multiple perpetrators, including parents and siblings as well as extended family members.
HBA can cause serious and lasting harm. It leaves victims isolated, fearful, and at risk of more abuse.
If you are unsure of whether you or someone you know is experiencing Honour-Based Abuse, you can contact the Report + Support Team by completing a Speak to an Advisor form.
What support is available if I have experienced Honour-Based Abuse? (Students)
What support is available if I have experienced Honour-Based Abuse? (Staff)