There is no universally agreed upon definition of ‘honour’-based violence. It is generally used to refer to crimes that have been committed by perpetrators who perceive they are protecting or defending the ‘honour’ of a family or community. These crimes often include forms of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Such ‘honour’ may be used to justify a range of abusive behaviours, typically against women and girls, however, these are human rights violations and must not be excused for any reason.
Types of so-called ‘honour’-based violence
So-called ‘honour’-based violence may include:
- Forced marriage
- Domestic abuse
- Murder or murderous intent
- Physical ‘punishments’, for example, acid attacks
- Deprivation of freedom or independence
- Domestic imprisonment
- Kidnapping or abduction of the survivor or family members
- Female genital mutilation
- Sexual harassment or sexual violence
- Denying access to children or family
- Coercion, for example, to move or live in a certain area or country
- Threats to kill or harm
For support
Anyone affected by these forms of violence and abuse should be able to access help and support when they need it and every case should be taken seriously.
The Live Fear Free Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for women, children and men experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence or other forms of violence against women.
- Call 0808 80 10 800
- Email [email protected]
- Text 07860 077333
- Visit https://gov.wales/live-fear-free/contact-live-fear-free to use our webchat service.
