What Is Honour Based Abuse? Understanding Your Legal Options

Honour based abuse occurs when perpetrators perceive that a relative has shamed the family or the community by breaking their honour code.

Honour based violence is a violent crime or incident committed to protect or defend the honour of a family or community. It is often linked to family or acquaintances who believe you have brought shame on the family or community by doing something that does not align with the family culture. If your family think you have shamed them in a certain way, they may punish you for breaking their 'honour' code.

Whilst there isn't one specific crime of honour-based abuse, it can involve a range of crimes or behaviours such as forced marriage, domestic abuse, harassment, being kept at home with no freedom, coercion and control, threats of serious harm.

Honour Based Abuse is often thought of as a ‘cultural’, ‘traditional’ or ‘religious’ problem. It can affect people of all ages but often begins early in the family home.

At MSB we have solicitors qualified in dealing with these sensitive matters and there is a vast amount of organisations offering support for victims which we can signpost you to, for example Savera, Women's Aid or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.

There are various orders available such as Forced Marriage Protection Orders (FMPO), Female Genital Mutilation Protection Order (FGMPO) and Non-Molestation Order (NMO).

We can secure protective injunctions by making without notice court applications, to ensure you are safe from honour-based abuse. Any conversations are strictly confidential, and your safety is our paramount consideration when dealing with such serious matters.

What is honour based abuse?

Honour based abuse is when someone is harmed, threatened, or controlled because their family or community believes they have brought ‘shame’ or broken cultural expectations.

What crimes can honour based abuse involve?

It can include forced marriage, domestic abuse, harassment, threats of violence, coercive control, female genital mutilation (FGM), and restricting freedom.

Who can be affected by honour-based abuse?

Anyone can be affected, but it often starts within the family home and impacts young people, women, and sometimes men across different backgrounds.

What legal protection is available for victims?

Courts can grant Forced Marriage Protection Orders, Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders, and Non-Molestation Orders to safeguard victims.

Can a solicitor help if I am at risk of honour-based abuse?

Yes. Solicitors can make urgent, confidential court applications to secure protective injunctions and connect you with specialist support organisations.