Honour Based Abuse

Honour based abuse is an incident or crime committed to defend or protect the ‘honour’ of the family and community.

It is based on someone bringing shame or dishonour to an individual, families or the wider community established on cultural perceptions.

It can be used to control behaviours and to protect religious views and/or honour.

Signs of this can be;

• Feeling an element of scrutiny and control by family or community members
• The victim appears to be dominated or under control
• The victim or their family come from a community where honour and forced marriage is culturally embedded
• Noticeable personality changes are occurring, such as being withdrawn, anxious and a decrease in self-esteem