'Honour’ Based Abuse/Violence
What is HBAV?
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’.
How common is HBAV?
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’.
Who is vulnerable?
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”.
More information and resources for the public:
If you have been a victim of HBAV, or know someone else who has been affected by it, there is help and support available.
If you think someone is being subject to HBAV contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or 999 if it is an emergency.
For professionals:
One Chance Rule
Never turn a person away! You may only have ONE CHANCE to speak to a potential victim and may only have ONE CHANCE to save a life!
Responding to HBAV
Take extreme caution, consider the one chance rule and seek specialist advice and guidance. Consider local tools, pathways and MARAC:
Coronavirus and HBAV
Protecting children and adults with care and support needs from HBAV needs to remain a priority in these challenging and unprecedented times.
We all need to remain vigilant and report any concerns we may have in the usual way. Safeguarding support services are still operating and referrals continue to be addressed promptly.
Useful links and guidance:
Local and national support agencies
Forced marriage easy read guidance February 2023
Forced marriage resource pack February 2023
RBSAB / RBSCP HBAV 7 minute briefing
RBSAB / RBSCP Forced Marriage 7 minute briefing
RBSAB / RBSCP Virginity testing and hymenoplasty 7 minute briefing
Karma Nirvana - The Virginity Myth (Virginity Testing)
Greater Manchester HBAV guidance
Home Office: Migrant victims of domestic abuse review findings July 2020
Forced Marriage Protection Orders have been introduced to protect victims from being forced into marriage.
Multi-agency statutory guidance and practice guidelines: The right to choose: government guidance on forced marriage
National guidance – the Forced Marriage Unit
Stalking Protection Orders
Non-molestation Orders
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.