The definition provided by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (2015) states that Honour Based Abuse is: ‘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’.

Girls and women are most at risk of HBA and are vulnerable following a refusal or breakdown of an arranged or forced marriage, termination of an unwanted pregnancy or defying parents. It can also affect boys and men. HBA might also be committed against people who become involved with a boyfriend or girlfriend from a different culture or religion; and whose attitude and behaviour (clothes, activities, and career) might not be considered traditional within a particular culture. LGBTQ+ and disabled people are amongst the most vulnerable.

Councillor John McNicholas who chairs the Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board said “It’s important to raise awareness and for survivors to speak out. The first, vital step in ending Honour Based Abuse is ensuring that everyone understands and recognises it as a form of domestic abuse and knows there is support available in the city.”

If you have been a victim of HBA or know someone else who has been affected by it, there is help and support available. 

Go to Safe to Talk, Coventry City Council’s Domestic Abuse website. Here you will find information on services for survivors, children/young people and perpetrators. There is support around honour-based abuse, forced marriage and FGM. Anyone including professionals can call 0800 111 4998 8.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday or 10am - 1pm Saturday and Sunday. www.safetotalk.org.uk

There is also a service provided by Panahghar (specialist black and minority ethnic abuse support service) who have a 24 hour helpline - 0800 055 6519. Where there is an immediate risk, please contact 999.