Honour based abuse

Honour based abuse occurs when an individual is punished by their family or community for behaving in a manner which is believed to have brought shame or dishonour. This type of abuse can be distinguished from other forms of abuse as it is often committed with some degree or collusion from the family or community.

It can include acts of harassment, assault, imprisonment, unexplained death (suicide), forced pregnancy or abortion and in some cases murder. The family may perceive that the person has acted inappropriately and dishonoured the family and community, the abuse carried out is to punish them for this.

Signs may include:

• family history of relatives gone missing, self-harm or suicide
• relatives making decisions on behalf of the victim
• victims may truant or have extended absences from school due to policing at home
• victims may report that they are being kept at home against their will
• there may be a decline in academic or work performance
• the victim may report threats to kill, which tend to be credible
• victims may report they are being emotionally blackmailed
• victims may be isolated due to physical, financial or cultural barriers
• victims may suffer from depression, self harm or attempt suicide
• psychosomatic symptoms
• emotional or physical abuse

Karma Nirvana has more information on honour based abuse.