“Honour-based violence is not a cultural tradition; it is a violation of human rights that arises from strict social rules and expectations."

Have you faced threats or experienced abuse when attempting to...?

• Have a relationship or marry someone outside your community
• Separate or divorce
• Talk to certain people
• Have sex before marriage
• Use drugs or Alcohol
• Become pregnant or give birth outside of marriage
• Wear clothes your family or community think are inappropriate
• Disagree with the religion of your family or community
• Challenge what your family or community expect of you
• Access higher education

Honour-based abuse (HBA) encompasses various forms of abuse, including physical violence, emotional, and psychological harm, this is carried out to safeguard or uphold the perceived honour of a family or community. This form of abuse is frequently grounded in culture, social, or religious beliefs regarding family honour and predominantly impacts individuals, especially women and girls, who are viewed as source of shame or dishonour to their family.

Types of honour-based abuse:

• Forced marriage
• Domestic abuse
• Sexual harassment (Rape and sexual assault)
• Threats to kill, physical and emotional violence and murder
• Pressure to move abroad
• Being kept isolated with no freedom given
• Not allows to use telephone, internet, or have access to important documents such as passport or birth certificate.
• Isolating from friends and members of your own family.
  

Warning signs

Going missing: this is when an individual may go missing from home or school to escape potential harm.

Emotional distress: this is a sign of being withdrawn, upset, self-harm behaviours, along with feeling of depression, anger or desperation.

Restricted movements: Supervised or restricted in their movements, indicating a lack of personal freedom.

Concerns about relationship: individual may express anxiety regarding upcoming trips abroad, conversations about marriage, or the possibility of being coerced into marriage.

Lack of access to communication: some may find themselves without access to the internet, mobile devices, or essential personal documents such as passports.

Physical injuries: There may be visible signs of injury or indications that the individual has been exposed to domestic violence within their family environment.

Witnessing family disputes: Children who witness incidents of honour- based violence are at a heightened risk of experiencing neglect or emotional distress. 

Key contacts for support

Police: For immediate assistance and reporting. By calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.

The Wish Centre based in Blackburn: which provides support for honour-based abuse. Contact number: 01254695800 or 0300 561 0440.

Karma Nirvana: Helpline for those affected by honour-based abuse. Contact number: 08005999247.

Written By Ujala Tassawar Muhammad - Work placement student