‘Honour’ Based Violence/Abuse (HBV)

‘Honour’ based violence or ‘honour’ crime is an act of violence explained by the abuser as being committed in order to protect or defend the ‘honour’ of the family/community. These crimes include:

  • Domestic and Sexual Violence
  • Forced Marriage
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Social rejection and other forms of controlling and abusive practices carried out by the extended family or community members

Women may experience HBV if they are accused of not conforming to traditional cultural and religious expectations, including, for example:

  • Wearing make-up or western clothing
  • Having a boyfriend or being seen alone with a male who is not a family member
  • Pregnant outside of marriage
  • Having a relationship with someone from a different religion or nationality
  • Rejecting a forced marriage
  • Rumours / being seen acting inappropriately

In HBV, the risks can be high as there may be many abusers in the extended family or community networks, who may be more organised in the harassment or abuse of women. Other people in the family or community may pressure the victim to return to abusive situations or fail to support them.

Source: 'Three steps to escaping violence against women and girls' (Southall Black Sisters)

Quick Links

  1. Domestic Abuse

Actions

Page last reviewed: 17/03/2022

Skip back to top of page