'Honour’ Based Abuse/Violence (HBA V)
There is no statutory definition of HBAV. However, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (September 2019) have provided a definition which states that HBAV is:
‘an incident or crime involving violence, threats of violence, intimidation, coercion or abuse (including psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse) which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of an individual, family and/or community for alleged or perceived breaches of the family and/or community’s code of behaviour’.
Homes Office Figures suggest there are approximately 12 honour killings in the UK each year, not counting individuals who are taken abroad and never seen again. Between 2010- 14 UK police forces recorded more than 11,000 ‘Honour Crimes’. In 2022, there were 2887 HBA related offences recorded by police in England and Wales
Girls and women are most at risk of HBAV and are vulnerable following a refusal or breakdown of an arranged or forced marriage, termination of an unwanted pregnancy or defying parents. HBAV can also affect boys and men. HBAV might also be committed against people who become involved with a boyfriend or girlfriend from a different culture or religion; and whose attitude and behaviour (clothes, activities, and career) might not be considered traditional within a particular culture. LGBTQ+ and disabled people are amongst the most vulnerable.
Forms of HBAV
HBAV can take many forms: domestic abuse / violence, sexual harassment, assault and rape, psychological abuse, child abuse, kidnapping, false imprisonment, FGM, threats to kill, forced marriage, coercive and controlling behaviours, stalking, house arrest, servitude, isolation from family and community, denial of further education or employment, excessive restrictions on freedom, and social activities, abandonment or sending someone back to their country of origin, dowry abuse, forced suicide, and murder/“honour killing”.
If you have been a victim of HBAV, or know someone else who has been affected by it, there is help and support available.
You can contact local services:
- Child Early Help and Safeguarding Hub on 0300 303 8886
- Adult Social Care on 0300 303 8886
If you think someone is being subject to HBAV contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or 999 if it is an emergency.
Karma Nirvana have a UK helpline 0800 5999 247. They are an organisation committed to ending Honour Based Abuse in the UK.
For professionals.
One Chance Rule You may only have ONE CHANCE to speak to a potential victim and may only have ONE CHANCE to save a life!
Useful links and guidance:
Multi-agency training:
RBSAB and RBSCP offers free HBAV multi-agency safeguarding training to anyone who works or volunteers in the Rochdale Borough. For further course details and to book a place visit here.