0800 254 0909 - Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline
(Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm)
0808 2000 247 - 24 hour National
Domestic Abuse Helpline
If you are in immediate danger call 999
SALFORD WOMEN'S AID
Supporting survivors of domestic abuse
Honour Based Violence
What is Honour Based Violence?
Honour based violence is a form of domestic abuse which is perpetrated to defend or protect the honour of a family or community.
It often involves family/community members colluding to ‘punish’ a victim for behaving in a way that they believe has brought shame and dishonour to the family/community.
Everyone can sometimes feel that they are unable to live their lives the way they want to because of reactions from friends and family. However, if you are scared that your actions may lead to violence from your family and the community you may be experiencing so-called ‘honour based’ violence.
Honour Based Abuse is not a cultural tradition or religious practice; it is a form of abuse that can occur within any community, regardless of faith or background. Abuse is abuse – no matter who the perpetrator is or how they justify it. No one – not even your family or partner – has the right to control or to harm you, emotionally or physically.
Forms of Honour Base Violence:
Domestic Abuse: Various forms of domestic abuse, including physical, sexual, economic abuse, and coercive control, are illegal and protected under laws designed to safeguard individuals from all types of abuse, such as physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse.
Child Marriage: It is illegal in England and Wales to get married under the age of 18.
Forced Marriage: Forced Marriage is illegal, and Forced Marriage Protection Orders (FMPOs) can be issued to protect individuals at risk.
Virginity Testing: As of 2022, Virginity testing is illegal in the UK under The Health and Care Act 2022.
Female Genital Mutilation: FGM is a criminal offence under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003, which applies to performing FGM within the UK, taking someone abroad to have FGM performed (even if the procedure is legal in that country), and assisting, encouraging, or arranging FGM, whether in the UK or abroad.
Useful Link:
Karma Nirvana
Karma Nirvana is a UK-based charity dedicated to ending honor-based abuse and forced marriage through awareness, support for victims, and training for professionals.
Helpline: 0800 5999 247
Website: https://karmanirvana.org.uk/
