Honour Based Violence

What is Honour Based Violence?

Honour based abuse refers to a spectrum of violent, coercive, or abusive acts committed to protect or defend the honour of a family or community. These acts are often driven by cultural, religious, or social norms that prioritise the reputation and honour of the family over the rights and freedoms of individuals. Honour based abuse can manifest in various forms, including physical violence, emotional abuse, threats, harassment, forced marriages, and female genital mutilation.

Victims of honour based abuse are typically women and girls, although men and boys can also be affected. The abuse often stems from perceived violations of cultural or familial expectations regarding behaviour, relationships, sexuality, or lifestyle. For example, a woman might face violence for refusing an arranged marriage, seeking a divorce, engaging in a relationship deemed unacceptable, or even for dressing in a way that is considered dishonourable by her family or community. Honour based abuse can occur across different ethnic and religious communities, and it transcends socio-economic boundaries.

What Are the Options for a Victim?

• Legal Protection: Victims can obtain various legal protections through the courts. These include Non-Molestation and Occupation orders, which can provide immediate relief by restraining the abuser from contact or excluding them from the home. Forced Marriage Protection Orders and Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders offer specific protections against forced marriage and FGM, respectively.
• Support Services: Numerous organisations specialise in assisting victims of honour based abuse which provide confidential advice and assistance to those thinking about fleeing abusive conditions.
• Police and Social Services: Reporting honour based abuse to the police can lead to immediate protective actions and the initiation of criminal proceedings against the perpetrators. Social services can also offer support, particularly when children are involved or at risk.

Forced Marriage, Child Marriage and FGM: Practical Signs and Legal Protection

This article looks at some of the practical signs and what steps we can take to protect those who may be at risk.

A blog by Shabina Begum.

Read more

Our Approach

Goodman Ray Solicitors have a specialist and dedicated team which deals specifically with domestic abuse. Honour based violence and abuse is a particularly specialist area and we are proud to have solicitors who have experience and expertise in supporting and protecting victims of honour based violence. They will be able to help guide you through the range of different options available.

Goodman Ray Solicitors have been at the forefront of changes in the law to help protect individuals from abuse, including representing the partner seeking protection from abuse in a landmark case which brought about a change in how the Court considers domestic abuse.

Get in touch with our honour based violence solicitors

If you or someone you know is a victim of honour based violence or abuse, immediate help is available. At Goodman Ray Solicitors, we are dedicated to providing the support and legal expertise needed to ensure your safety.

Contact Goodman Ray Solicitors on 020 7608 1227 or contact us online through our website or by emailing us at mail@goodmanray.com for assistance in securing the necessary legal protections and support services. We are here to help you navigate the legal process and access the support you need.