Honour Based Abuse (HBA)

Honour-based violence (HBV) is the term used to refer to a collection of practices used predominantly to control the behaviour of women and girls within families or other social groups in order to protect supposed cultural and religious beliefs, values and social norms in the name of ‘honour’. All forms of so-called HBV are abuse (regardless of the motivation) and should be handled and escalated as such.

Often HBA/HBV and forced marriage are seen as synonymous, but there are differences. "Honour"-based violence and abuse, which may include emotional, psychological, sexual and physical abuse, is a reaction to what is perceived as immoral behaviour that brings shame on the family or community.

There is no religious basis to HBA and forced marriage; they are widely condemned by all religious faiths and communities. These ‘immoral behaviours’ include:

• Running away, coming home late
• Ideological differences between parents and children
• Westernisation
• Refusing an arranged marriage
• Relationships outside marriage
• Relationships outside the approved group
• ‘Inappropriate’ make-up or dress
• Loss of virginity
• Pregnancy
• Homosexuality
• Reporting/fleeing domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, forced marriage
• Girls who ‘allow themselves to be raped’
• Causing gossip

Sometimes a rumour about a family member doing one or more of the above is enough to elicit an abusive reaction.

Unlike domestic abuse where it is typically one person abusing another, in cases of HBA and forced marriage the perpetrators can be one or many, including:

• Father and mother
• Brother and sister
• Grandparents
• Uncles, aunts, cousins
• Community members

Crimes committed may include:

• False imprisonment or kidnap
• Domestic servitude
• ABH or GBH
• Threats to kill
• Harassment and stalking
• Sexual assault
• Rape
• Female genital mutilation
• Forced to commit suicide
• Forced Marriage
• Murder

For every crime committed there are also numerous incidents of bullying, emotional and psychological abuse. Some victims have very restricted movements and are under constant supervision, having little contact with the outside world.

Please speak to a member of school staff if you have any concerns about a child at Goldington Academy who may be at risk of Honour Based Violence.

“Goldington Academy is committed to protecting all pupils from honour-based abuse. Staff are trained to identify, report, and respond to concerns swiftly, ensuring that every child receives the support and protection they need.”

Goldington Academy