Abuse

Abuse can be a collection of practices, which are used to control behaviour within families to protect so called cultural and religious beliefs and/or honour.  Violence can occur when perpetrators perceive that a relative has shamed the family and/or community by breaking their honour code.

So-called 'honour based violence’ can be distinguished from other forms of violence, as it is often committed with some degree of approval and/or collusion from family and / or community members. This can actually lead to murder, un-explained death (suicide), fear of or actual forced marriage, controlling sexual activity, domestic abuse (including psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse), child abuse, rape, kidnapping, false imprisonment, threats to kill, assault, harassment, FGM and forced abortion. This list is not exhaustive.