Honour-Based Violence – Recognising and Intervening

Honour-based violence (HBV) refers to acts of violence or abuse committed to protect or restore the perceived honour of a family or community, often motivated by cultural, social or familial beliefs. These acts are typically carried out to enforce conformity to cultural expectations and uphold family reputation. They usually target individuals, primarily women and girls, who are perceived to have brought ‘dishonour’ through their behaviour or choices. 

More commonly referred to as honour-based abuse (HBA) in the UK, statistics from police forces in England and Wales (excluding Devon and Cornwall) show 2,905 honour-based abuse offences recorded by the police in 2023, representing a 1% increase from the previous year. Honour-based abuse can manifest in various forms, including: 

• physical violence
• emotional or psychological abuse
• forced marriage
• female genital mutilation (FGM)
• sexual harassment and sexual violence (including sexual assault and rape)
• financial abuse
• threats to kill or threats of physical and emotional violence
• isolation from friends and family members
• being kept in the home with no freedom, including not being allowed to attend school, work or social events
• pressure to move to another country
• in extreme cases, murder

Physical violence can include beatings, injuries or even severe assaults inflicted on the victim to ‘correct’ behaviour that is viewed as dishonourable. Such violence is often normalised within the family or community, which can deter victims from seeking help. Victims may also face severe intimidation, guilt and psychological manipulation intended to enforce conformity. Emotional abuse often includes threats, insults and blame, designed to diminish the victim’s self-worth and discourage nonconformity.

Honour-based abuse is rooted in complex cultural, social and familial norms, where family and community honour are prioritised above individual autonomy and well-being. In some cultures, a family’s standing in the community is directly tied to the behaviour of its members, especially female members, and any deviation from expected norms is seen as a potential source of shame. The concepts of honour and shame thus become powerful tools of control, often reinforced by both immediate family members and wider community networks.

One of the most extreme forms of HBA, forced marriage, involves pressuring or coercing individuals into marriage to fulfil family expectations or secure perceived honour. It denies individual autonomy and is frequently coupled with physical and psychological threats if they resist.

Honour-based violence and abuse presents unique challenges due to its deep entrenchment in cultural and familial systems. These challenges include:

• Family and community involvement: Unlike other forms of violence, HBA often involves multiple family members or community figures who collectively endorse or enforce the abuse, making it difficult for victims to escape or seek help.
• Isolation and stigma: Victims may feel unable to seek assistance due to social isolation and the stigma attached to exposing family matters, especially in communities where family reputation is heavily guarded.
• Victim blaming: Victims of HBA are often held responsible for the violence inflicted upon them, with family members and even wider society justifying the abuse as a necessary act to protect or restore family honour.
• Limited awareness and resources: In many areas, HBA is misunderstood or underreported, making it harder for victims to access appropriate resources and for professionals to recognise signs of abuse.

Addressing honour-based abuse, therefore, requires a nuanced understanding of cultural norms, family dynamics and the social pressures that drive these forms of violence. Recognising the types and challenges associated with HBA is essential for effective intervention and support, as it allows professionals to engage with victims and perpetrators with sensitivity while providing necessary protections for victims.

Recognising Signs and Risk Factors

Identifying individuals at risk of honour-based abuse can be difficult and typically requires careful observations of a person’s behaviour, circumstances and other contextual factors. Being aware of potential signs can empower professionals in educational, healthcare and community settings to deter and intervene before violence escalates. 

Victims of honour-based abuse may show overt or subtle signs of distress or that they are experiencing abuse. This could include:

Withdrawal and isolation 

Sudden withdrawal from friends, social activities or previously enjoyed hobbies can be a sign of honour-based abuse. This could include no longer attending work, school or social events and not interacting with other people outside of family oversight.

Unusual family restrictions 

Some people experiencing honour-based abuse have their behaviour, movements and associations with other people strictly monitored. For example, they may be accompanied by a family member who speaks on their behalf or limits their autonomy in public settings or they may have restrictions on communication, such as having limited or no access to phones or social media. Their movements both in and out of the home may be strictly controlled.

Mentions of honour or shame 

If a person references family honour or the need to avoid bringing shame to the family, this could be an indication that they are experiencing HBA. There may also be indications that their actions are being closely judged based on cultural or familial standards.

Physical and psychological signs 

This could include unexplained injuries, bruises, pain or other signs of physical abuse (such as flinching if someone raises a hand near them). The signs of abuse can also be psychological or emotional, including symptoms of anxiety, depression or emotional distress, possibly linked to a fear of consequences for perceived dishonour. Some people who experience HBA may also self-harm or attempt suicide.

Behavioural changes 

This could include fearfulness, nervousness or hesitance when discussing family matters and avoidance of discussions about personal relationships or future plans that might conflict with family expectations. A person may also seem suddenly withdrawn or upset or may run away from home or discuss wanting to run away.

Certain groups are disproportionately vulnerable to honour-based abuse due to demographic, cultural or situational factors. Risk factors include:

Gender and age 

Young women and girls are the most frequent targets of HBA, particularly during adolescence or early adulthood. Although men and boys can also be victims, especially in cases involving forced marriage or pressures to conform to family traditions, it is disproportionately women and girls who are victims of honour-based abuse. 

Cultural and religious contexts 

Individuals from communities where collective family reputation is highly emphasised may face greater risks of HBA. Specific practices tied to cultural or religious interpretations may increase vulnerability, such as rigid dress codes or restrictions on romantic relationships.

LGBTQIA+ individuals 

Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ may face honour-based abuse for defying gender norms or expectations regarding heterosexual relationships. This is more likely in cultures and religions where LGBTQIA+ is considered illegal or immoral or is viewed in a negative way.

Socio-economic factors 

Those in financially dependent or low-resource environments may find it more difficult to resist familial pressures or seek help due to limited independence.

Professionals in education, healthcare and social services are often best positioned to notice early warning signs of honour-based abuse. In educational settings, unexplained absences or dropouts, particularly in girls nearing marriageable age, could be a sign of HBA or forced marriage. Additionally, sudden changes in behaviour, such as reluctance to participate in school activities, declining academic performance, disclosures of family-imposed restrictions or impending plans for travel abroad that the individual speaks of anxiously or fearfully (potentially linked to forced marriage), could also be signs of honour-based abuse. 

In healthcare settings, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals can look for signs of physical abuse, such as bruises or other injuries that patients are hesitant to explain and signs of emotional distress or mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression or signs of self-harm. If an individual insists on a family member being present in appointments, the family member speaks for them or insists on not leaving, this could be a sign of coercion or control. In community settings or social services, concerns raised by peers or friends who observe changes in behaviour or hear troubling disclosures should always be taken seriously. This includes reports of threats, coercion or fears related to going home. 

Recognising signs of honour-based abuse requires sensitivity and proactive engagement. Subtle indicators, such as changes in behaviour or restricted autonomy, should not be overlooked, as they often reflect underlying risks that may not be immediately evident. Professionals must remain alert, maintain open lines of communication and establish trust with individuals who may feel reluctant to disclose concerns. By understanding the risk factors and indicators of HBA, professionals can act as critical allies in detecting and addressing potential threats, ultimately safeguarding individuals from harm.

Building Cultural Sensitivity in Approach

Effectively addressing honour-based abuse requires cultural sensitivity, which ensures that interventions are respectful, non-judgemental and tailored to the unique contexts of individuals at risk. Building cultural awareness and trust is essential to engage with victims and their communities while providing meaningful support. Professionals must strike a delicate balance between understanding cultural practices and ensuring the safety and rights of victims. A culturally informed approach involves focusing on harmful behaviours rather than generalising or stigmatising cultural or religious beliefs. It is essential to avoid assumptions about individuals or communities and recognise that there is diversity of opinion within any group. By using neutral language and demonstrating cultural awareness, professionals can encourage open dialogue without alienating victims or their communities.

Building trust with individuals from communities where HBA may be prevalent is essential for effective intervention. Creating a safe environment is a critical first step, where confidentiality is assured and victims feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Listening without judgement and allowing individuals to express their feelings and concerns without interruption or imposed views helps establish rapport. Professionals should also strive for cultural competence by learning about the norms, values and practices of the community, which can provide valuable context for understanding the victim’s situation. This understanding should be paired with an emphasis on collaboration, where professionals explore options with the victim rather than prescribing specific actions.

Empathy plays a key role in building relationships, as victims often face significant challenges, including the potential loss of family or community support if they reject honour-based abuse norms. Demonstrating respect for cultural identity while acknowledging the difficulties victims face can help create a sense of trust and safety. In some cases, engaging trusted community leaders or advocates may be appropriate, provided they are not complicit in harmful practices and are committed to supporting the victim’s well-being. If language barriers exist, using trained interpreters familiar with the cultural context is vital, as family members or acquaintances might have biases or be implicated in the abuse.

Practical applications of cultural sensitivity include scenarios such as educators noticing a student withdrawing from activities or displaying restrictive behaviours. Instead of assuming these are linked to honour-based violence or abuse, a teacher might gently ask about the student’s well-being and offer support in a neutral, non-judgemental manner. Similarly, in healthcare settings, a provider who suspects that a patient is under family control might validate the patient’s feelings and discreetly offer resources, respecting their readiness to disclose sensitive information.

Cultural sensitivity, when combined with empathy and respect, improves the ability of professionals to engage with victims, helps to increase trust and creates opportunities for intervention. By understanding the cultural contexts in which HBA occurs while remaining focused on the safety and rights of the victim, professionals can effectively address these complex and sensitive situations.

Effective Intervention Strategies

Intervening in cases of honour-based abuse requires a strategic and sensitive approach to ensure victims’ safety and well-being while navigating complex cultural and familial dynamics. Effective intervention begins with steps to safely approach and support victims, emphasising confidentiality, validation and clear communication.

Professionals must prioritise building trust by assuring victims that their disclosures will remain private and their safety will be the central focus. This is particularly critical in HBA cases, where fear of retaliation from family or community members often deters individuals from seeking help. Validation of the victim’s feelings and experiences helps to create a supportive environment where they feel understood and empowered. Clear communication, free of jargon or judgement, is essential for explaining available options and next steps, ensuring victims are informed without feeling pressured.

Collaboration among multi-disciplinary teams is an essential aspect of effective HBA intervention. Social services, law enforcement, healthcare providers and mental health professionals each play a unique and complementary role in addressing the needs of victims. Each type of professional plays a different role, for example:

• Social services: Provide immediate support such as shelter, financial aid, case management and support for minors affected by the situation.
• Law enforcement (e.g. the police): Address immediate threats, ensure victim protection and investigate criminal activities such as forced marriage or physical abuse.
• Mental health professionals: Offer trauma-informed counselling to help victims process their experiences and rebuild emotional resilience.
• Healthcare providers: Treat physical injuries, provide reproductive health services if necessary and document medical evidence of abuse.
• Legal experts: Advise victims on their rights and assist with protective orders, divorce proceedings or immigration concerns, if applicable.

While social services often provide immediate support, such as safe housing and access to financial resources and law enforcement which ensures physical protection and investigates potential crimes, other professionals offer more long-term support such as supporting the victim with trauma and emotional recovery. Collaborative efforts allow these teams to share information, avoid duplication of efforts and create a comprehensive plan that addresses both the immediate and long-term needs of victims. For example, social workers and law enforcement can coordinate to develop safety plans, while mental health counsellors can provide emotional support to help victims cope with the psychological impact of HBA.

For professionals directly working with HBA victims, certain practical steps can guide effective intervention. For example:

Approach and questioning techniques

Use open-ended, non-judgemental questions, such as:

• “Can you tell me about how things are at home?”
• “Do you feel safe in your current situation?”

Professionals should avoid leading or pressuring questions, which can increase fear or resistance.

Recognise immediate vs. long-term needs

Immediate needs may include securing the person’s physical safety (e.g. arranging safe housing or contacting law enforcement) or addressing urgent medical or legal issues, such as injuries or protection orders. Long-term needs may include connecting victims to counselling services for emotional recovery and providing access to education, job training or legal advice to help the individual rebuild their independence.

Understand legal considerations

Familiarise yourself with UK laws on forced marriage, domestic violence and child protection and ensure that interventions align with legal requirements, such as mandatory reporting in cases involving minors or imminent harm.

Safety planning

Develop a clear, actionable plan tailored to the victim’s specific risks, including:

• Helping the individual create emergency contacts and escape routes.
• Helping them create secure communication methods (e.g. untraceable phone numbers or social media).
• Identifying their support networks, such as trusted friends or advocacy groups.

By combining these practical steps with a collaborative and culturally sensitive approach, professionals can effectively intervene to protect victims of HBA while addressing their complex, multifaceted needs.

Supporting Victims and Ensuring Their Safety

Supporting victims of honour-based abuse requires a multi-faceted approach that includes immediate resources, comprehensive safety planning and long-term care to help them recover and rebuild their lives. In the UK, there are various resources, services and strategies available to address both urgent and ongoing needs.

An important short-term support for victims of HBA is shelters and safe housing. Refuge services across the UK, such as Refuge and Women’s Aid, offer emergency accommodation for individuals fleeing abusive environments. These facilities provide a secure, confidential space to protect victims from immediate harm. Victims may also be able to access shelters and safe housing through the police or social services. 

Victims can also contact dedicated helplines for support, including:

• Karma Nirvana: Karma Nirvana runs a national honour-based abuse helpline for victims of forced marriage and HBA and offers confidential advice, help and support. Contact 0800 5999 247.
• The National Domestic Abuse Helpline: Run by Refuge, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is accessible 24/7 at 0808 2000 247. It is run by highly-trained female advisers who can connect victims with local services, such as helping them find a place of refuge. They also offer advice and support. 
• Childline: For young victims under 18, Childline offers support through phone (0800 1111) and online services.
• Respect Men’s Advice Line: Respect offers help and support for male victims of abuse, including honour-based abuse. Contact them on 0808 8010 327 or visit the webchat. 

Remember, if you or someone you know is in an emergency or potentially dangerous situation, you should contact 999 for immediate help. 

An important aspect of honour-based abuse is access to mental health services. This is essential for victims who are experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties. The NHS may be able to provide trauma-informed therapy and psychiatric care for victims experiencing anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression or other mental health difficulties. Victims can make an appointment with their GP and ask for a referral. Alternatively, charities such as Victim Support provide emotional support, counselling and advocacy for survivors of HBA and related trauma. 

Legal assistance and advocacy may also be available. For people looking for legal advice, there are several options available, including:

• Forced Marriage Unit (FMU): A government-led resource offering advice, assistance and emergency support for those at risk of forced marriage, including repatriation for individuals taken abroad.
• Rights of Women: Provides legal guidance on immigration, family law and protective measures.

Safety planning is a vital step in protecting victims, particularly when they are at immediate risk of harm. A safety plan should be personalised, proactive and adaptable to the victim’s specific circumstances. Key elements include:

Immediate protection

Immediate protection from harm is often the first concern of victims. This can include:

• Secure emergency housing and transportation to a safe location.
• Arranging access to untraceable communication methods, such as burner phones or hidden email accounts, to maintain contact with support networks.
• Providing the victim with a pre-packed bag containing essential items like ID, money and clothing, ready for use if an urgent escape is necessary.

Engaging law enforcement

A safety plan may include collaborating with local police to enforce protective measures, such as Non-Molestation Orders or Forced Marriage Protection Orders. It is also important to ensure victims are aware of how to contact emergency services quickly and discreetly.

Involving trusted allies

Identifying supportive friends, colleagues or community members who can act as safe points of contact or offer assistance can help ensure the victim has help and support from people they trust.

Long-term recovery and empowerment are crucial to helping victims rebuild their lives and avoid re-entering harmful situations. Local organisations, such as cultural advocacy groups and grassroots initiatives, can help victims reconnect with supportive networks while navigating life outside of a harmful environment. These groups can provide language support, vocational training or peer mentorship.

Ongoing mental health care is also essential. Trauma-focused therapy, group counselling and support groups can address the long-term psychological effects of HBA, such as anxiety, PTSD and depression. Regular access to mental health services ensures victims receive the care they need to help them heal and regain confidence. Regular check-ins with caseworkers or counsellors ensure that victims remain supported and have access to resources as their needs evolve.

Additionally, empowering victims through education, job training and employment assistance helps them achieve financial independence and reduces their vulnerability to coercion or control. Providing a robust network of support, combined with careful safety planning and long-term care, ensures that victims of HBA in the UK have the tools and resources they need to escape danger, heal from trauma and build a life free from violence and control.

Conclusion

Honour-based abuse is a grave violation of human rights and represents a significant challenge for professionals across different sectors, including education, healthcare and law enforcement. Proactive intervention is essential to protect victims, prevent harm and address the systemic factors that perpetuate abuse. Recognising the signs of HBA, approaching victims with cultural sensitivity and employing comprehensive intervention strategies can save lives and create a safer, more supportive environment for those at risk.

Professionals play a critical role in identifying and responding to HBA. This work requires an ongoing commitment to education and skill-building. By seeking specialised training, accessing relevant resources and encouraging collaboration, professionals can better understand the complexities of honour-based abuse and develop the confidence to intervene effectively. A collective effort is necessary to combat HBA and ensure that no individual suffers in silence or isolation. Professionals must act with urgency, compassion and cultural awareness to protect victims and uphold their fundamental rights.