Honour based violence

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So-called 'Honour'-based abuse is a crime or incident committed to control the behaviour of people within families or other social groups to protect supposed cultural and religious beliefs, values and social norms.

It may involve violence, threats of violence, coercion, intimidation or abuse.

There isn't one specific crime of honour-based abuse. It can involve a range of crimes and behaviours, such as: 

• forced marriage
• domestic abuse (physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial)
• sexual harassment and sexual violence (rape and sexual assault or the threat of)
• threats to kill, physical and emotional violence and murder
• pressure to go or move abroad
• being kept at home with no freedom
• not allowed to use the telephone, internet, or have access to important documents like your passport or birth certificate
• isolation from friends and members of your own family

The most important thing you can do is tell someone you trust. Never be afraid to ask for help, even if you have previously asked but at that time you didn't feel it was the right time.

Support is available when you are ready

The FMU (Forced Marriage Unit) can provide confidential information and advice to anyone involved, or being forced into marriage. They work with agencies based in the UK and abroad to prevent forced marriages taking place. 

• Call 020 7008 0151 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday
• Global Response Centre (out of hours)  020 7008 1500
• E-mail fmu@fco.gov.uk
• Website GOV.UK -Forced Marriage

In an emergency call 999!