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What is “Honour” based violence?

Protecting ‘honour’ (Izzat, Ghairat, Namus or Sharam), in BME communities, is of the upmost importance. Many women and girls are therefore subjected to many forms of abuse to uphold honour for themselves and their families in the potential form of;

  • Forced marriage
  • Domestic violence (physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse)
  • Threats to kill
  • Social shunning or rejection, isolation and emotional pressure
  • Denial of access to children
  • House arrest and coercive control
  • No access to the telephone, internet, or ID/Visa documentation

The Crown Prosecution Service describes ‘honour’ based abuse as an incident or crime “which has, or may have, been committed to protect or defend the ‘honour’ of the family and or the community.”

Should victims do something which is deemed to jeopardise the honour of their family, it could lead to extreme danger for the victim and in some cases death. Perpetrators threaten dangerous consequences resulting in the victim doing exactly what they say regardless of the victim’s consent.

It is important you get help and support if you feel this is the case and/or you believe someone is at risk of this type of abuse.

If you or someone you know is at risk of forced marriage or ‘honour’ based abuse please contact the West Midlands Forced Marriage and ‘Honour’ Based Abuse Helpline on 0800 953 9777.

Support is available 7 days a week and is also available for practitioner’s seeking information and guidance on forced marriage or ‘honour’ based abuse. We also offer outreach support.