‘Honour’-Based Abuse
"Honour"-Based Abuse (HBA) is a term used to describe a range of abusive and violent behaviours carried out in the name of so-called "honour." It can include offences such as physical violence, emotional and psychological abuse, controlling or coercive behaviour, threats, forced marriage, and in the most extreme cases, murder.
These acts are often committed by family members or people in the community who believe someone has brought "shame" or "dishonour" to a family or group.
HBA can cause serious and lasting harm. It leaves victims isolated, fearful, and at risk of more abuse. It is a serious crime, and protecting those at risk is a priority. Everyone has the right to live safely and free from fear and control.
What is 'honour'-based abuse and harmful practices?
There is no single legal definition that covers honour-based abuse, and it is not a specific criminal offence.
Support for victims of "Honour"-Based abuse
The CPS is committed to taking steps to help victims and witnesses through the often-difficult experience of becoming involved in the criminal justice system.
Female Genital Mutilation
Forced Marriage
Featured video
Victims of abuse deserve justice. But when the abuse is ‘honour’-based, reporting can feel impossible. In this video, a survivor of forced marriage shares her story, and the CPS, NPCC and Home Office set out the steps we are taking together to improve how these crimes are identified, investigated and prosecuted.
‘I’m not following the tradition of keeping quiet’: A forced marriage survivor speaks out
Where to get help
Karma Nirvana
0800 5999 247 https://karmanirvana.org.uk/
The Honour Network helpline provides emotional and practical support and advice for victims and survivors (male and female) of FM and/or HBV and abuse. It provides advice and support to potential victims, victims in crisis and professional agencies.
BAWSO Women's Aid (Wales)
0800 731 8147 www.bawso.org.uk [email protected]
The service is accessible 24 hours a day.
This is an all Wales, voluntary organisation. It provides a specialist service to Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) women and children made homeless through a threat of domestic abuse or fleeing domestic abuse in Wales. They have purpose-built refuges across Wales. They also provide emotional and practical support for BME women living in social housing.
Men's Advice Line
0808 801 0327 www.mensadviceline.org.uk
The Helpline is open Monday to Friday 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm.
This service provides a Freephone confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner. This includes all men - in heterosexual or same-sex relationships. The service gives men the chance to talk about what is happening to them and provides them with emotional support and practical advice. The advice line also has information about specialist services that can provide advice on legal, housing, child contact, mental health and other issues.
Southall Black Sisters (SBS)
Helpline 020 8571 0800 (open weekdays 10am - 4pm) or [email protected]
www.southallblacksisters.org.uk
Southall Black Sisters (SBS) is a ‘by and for’ Black, minoritised, and migrant women’s organisation addressing domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG). SBS provides community-based services including helpline advice services, advocacy, counselling, and peer support group work. SBS provides holistic support, combining crisis intervention services with long-term advocacy and campaigning. By integrating frontline experiences into policy advocacy, SBS challenges structural inequalities and harmful cultural practices that perpetuate VAWG. SBS’ services meet the complex needs of Black, minoritised, and migrant women, addressing domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour-based abuse, and transnational marriage abandonment, often intertwined with immigration, homelessness, and mental health challenges.
Halo Project
01642 683045 www.haloproject.org.uk [email protected]
The Halo Project Charity is a national project that will support victims of HBV, FM and FGM by providing appropriate advice and support to victims. We will also work with key partners to provide required interventions and advice necessary for the protection and safety of victims.
Freedom Charity
0845 607 0133 www.freedomcharity.org.uk
Freedom or Freedom Charity is a UK-based charity formed to give support to victims of FM, FGM, radicalisation and violence upon women thought to have brought dishonour on their family. We target schools with presentations and sessions directly with students, whilst also offering training and lesson plans for teachers so that they may also aid in raising awareness. We also have a 24/7 helpline and text-line.
National Working Group Spiritual and Ritual Abuse (NWG SARA)
01332 585371
NWG is a charitable organisation formed as a UK network of over 14,500 practitioners who disseminate our information down through their services, to professionals working on the issue of child exploitation (CE) and trafficking within the UK.
15 Square
01785 814044 https://15square.org.uk
15 Square is an international charity based in the UK. We work to improve public and professional awareness about the function and value of the male foreskin as well as the complications and harms associated with circumcision affecting some men. Finally, we work to help those affected by circumcision by providing support and advice.
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)
Telephone: 0808 800 5000 (advice for adults worried about a child)
The UK’s leading children's charity, specialising in child protection and dedicated to protecting children today to prevent abuse tomorrow. We’re the only UK children’s charity with statutory powers, which means we can take action to safeguard children at risk of abuse
Metropolitan Police
Honour, Belief and Sex (crime and vulnerability) Partnership Team
FLPDU.HonourBeliefandSexC&[email protected]
Foundation for Women's Health Research & Development (FORWARD)
Telephone: 020 8960 4000 https://www.forwarduk.org.uk/
We are the African women-led organisation working to end violence against women and girls. From female genital mutilation and child marriage to domestic and sexual violence, we tackle abuse and discrimination – enabling African women and girls to have the dignity, health and equality they deserve.
Iranian and Kurdish Women's Rights Organisation (IKWRO)
There is a critical need for specialist support for Middle Eastern, North African (MENA) and Afghan women and girls living in the UK, who are at risk of “honour” based abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, child marriage, domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls. Our mission is to advance MENA and Afghan women’s and girls’ rights, tackle discrimination and violence against women and girls, and empower women and girls to access their rights and entitlements in the UK. We are not affiliated with any religion or political party. IKWRO upholds confidentiality and never mediates with perpetrators, family or community members.
Childline
Telephone: 0800 1111 (24 hr free helpline for children) http://www.childline.org.uk/
Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, our trained counsellors are here to support you. Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night.
CPS VAWG Strategy 2025-2030
The CPS is currently developing an updated Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy for 2025-2030. This will set out a plan of action to improve prosecutions of these crimes and strengthen the support available to victims over the next five years. Once the Strategy is published, you will be able to access it here.