Introduction
Honour-based abuse is when a family, or members of a community, believe another person has done something that embarrasses or dishonours them according to their cultural or religious beliefs, breaking their honour code.
Forced marriage is a serious abuse of human rights and is illegal in the UK. It includes taking someone overseas to force them to marry (whether the forced marriage takes place or not), and marrying someone who lacks the mental capacity to consent to the marriage (whether they are pressured or not). In forced marriage, one or both spouses do not consent to the marriage and some element of duress is involved. Duress includes both physical and emotional pressure and abuse.
Forced marriage and honour-based abuse are primarily, but not exclusively, an issue of violence against women. Most cases involve young women and girls aged between 13 and 30, although there is evidence to suggest that as many as 15 per cent of victims are male. Both can constitute physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The United Nations considers forced marriage a form of trafficking, sexual slavery, and exploitation. Some, however, still see these issues as a private, personal, domestic, family, religious, or cultural matter.
Procedures and guidance
All children have a right to protection, irrespective of race, colour, or culture. Addressing the issues of honour based abuse and forced marriage are an integral part of child protection. The procedures below are aimed at dealing with honour-based abuse and forced marriage for a child or young person under 18 years of age:
The Government provides information on forced marriage:
Other support providers
Karma Nirvana
The charity Karma Nirvana provides further information, training and education regarding this form of crime. The organisation also provides support to victims.
Saheli provide emergency refuge accommodation, specialist counselling, and training, empowering Black, Asian and minoritised women to make informed choices and get the support they need.
Training
The government offers a free Virtual College training course, which has been developed with the Forced Marriage Unit of the Foreign Office, which aims to raise awareness, challenge perceptions, and inform you of the correct actions to take should you suspect someone is at risk:
Awareness of forced marriage eLearning by the Virtual College (external website)
