So-called honour-based abuse is a form of abuse that is committed to protect or defend the perceived honour of a family, community or other social group.
The term "so-called" is used because there is no honour in abuse or violence. So-called honour-based abuse can affect people of any age, gender, ethnicity, culture, religion, faith or background.
So-called honour-based abuse may be carried out by family members, partners, extended family members or members of a wider community. It can involve a single perpetrator or multiple perpetrators acting together.
Examples may include:
• Physical violence or threats of violence.
• Emotional or psychological abuse.
• Coercive and controlling behaviour.
• Restrictions on education, employment, friendships or relationships.
• Monitoring someone's movements, communications or social activities.
• Pressure to conform to family or community expectations.
• Forced marriage.
• Female genital mutilation (FGM).
• Sexual abuse.
• Financial abuse.
• Threats of rejection, isolation or being disowned by family members.
So-called honour-based abuse is a form of abuse and may also constitute a criminal offence.
If you want to talk to someone, please contact an advisor. Alternatively, you can make an anonymous disclosure which will allow us to identify concerns and trends across the University.