Honour-based abuse

What is honour-based violence?

Honour-based violence is a crime or incident which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and or community.

Honour-based violence can affect both men and women, and cuts across a number of cultures and communities. It is closely associated with domestic abuse and child protection matters.

Honour-based violence is where a person is being punished by their family or community for actually or allegedly undermining what they believe to be the correct code of behaviour. By not conforming it may be perceived that the person may have brought shame or dishonour to the family.

This type of violence can be distinguished from other forms of violence, as it is often committed with some degree of approval and/or collusion from the family and/or community.

What can honour-based violence include?

Honour-based violence can include:

  • Acid attacks
  • Assault
  • Blood feuds
  • Disfigurement
  • Domestic abuse
  • Dowry
  • False imprisonment
  • Female genital mutilation
  • Forced marriage
  • Forced repatriation
  • Harrassment
  • Honour killings (murder)
  • Kidnap
  • Stalking
  • Self-harm, suicide
  • Rape and sexual assault

What do Cheshire Police do?

Cheshire Police take any report very seriously and have been working hard to raise awareness and tackle the issue.

There is a cross agency working group in place involving police, health, education, probation, domestic abuse partnerships and other key stake holders and working together we are making a real difference.

If you are suffering any form of abuse in relation to honour issues or forced marriage or you are aware of anyone you know being at risk please report it. All reports are treated with professionalism and compassion and we can work with other agencies to provide support.

If it is an emergency, please call 999.

Otherwise, please call the non-emergency number on 101.