Honour based violence is a serious issue, and one that is under reported and under the radar in this country. Though in recent years the levels of awareness and response from the police and other partner agencies has much improved, its important to realise that many still do not understand the dangers of honour crimes or the devastation they can cause. The main thing is - there is help.
Firstly, let's clear up a few facts...
What is honour based violence, also known as HBV?
HBV is defined by the Association of Chief Police Officers as “…a crime or incident, which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and/or community”.
What is a forced marriage?
One or more partners do not (or in the case of some vulnerable adults, cannot) consent to the marriage and duress is involved. Duress can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure. Forced marriage is an abuse of Human Rights and cannot be justified on any grounds.
Forced marriage is different from an arranged marriage. In an arranged marriage families of both spouses take a leading role in arranging the marriage but the choice whether or not to accept the arrangement remains with the prospective spouses. Arranged marriages have worked well in society for many years.
What is female genital mutilation?
Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female circumcision or female genital cutting, is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the range of procedures which involve the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs whether for cultural or any other non-therapeutic reason. Female genital mutilation is illegal.
In the most extreme cases, people are killed because their actions are thought to be dishonourable, but HBV may also include assaults, disfigurement, versions of sati (burning), sexual assault and rape, forced marriage, dowry abuse, female genital mutilation, kidnap, false imprisonment and stalking.
Victims may also be ‘cast out’ by their family and community with very little support, and the prospect of life alone after being in such a close knit community for many years is very frightening. This is especially true for those victims who have no access to any money or financial support.
HBV is not about religion, it’s about culture. It’s to do with beliefs and customs and an expectation that women must behave in a certain way, according to rules set by men. Breaking those rules or even just being suspected of breaking them, can be perceived as bringing ‘shame’ or ‘dishonour’ on individuals, a family or the wider community.
We can help
Whether you want to report a crime in progress, get advice because you are concerned abut yourself, a relative or friend, or just find out a bit more about honour based violence, we can help. The details below give you a number of options:
- In a emergency - always call the police on 999
- When it's not an emergency - if you're looking for someone to speak to, for some advice or to report your concerns, call the police on 101 (or on 0845 045 45 45 if you are calling from outside of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
- www.hampshiredomesticabuse.org.uk - a website which provides advice and information
- Call the FREE National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247
- Call the Forced Marriage Unit on 0207 008 0151
