Hate Crime Awareness Week: Honour Based Abuse

As part of Hate Crime Awareness Week, we would like to take the time to talk about Honour Based Abuse.

The Crown Prosecution Service describes ‘honour’-based abuse as an incident or crime which has, or may have, been committed to protect or defend the ‘honour’ of the family and or the community.

‘Honour’ can be the motivation, excuse or justification behind a range of violent acts to both men and women, including in our relationships.

For women and girls, it may be forced marriage, or being unable to leave a marriage or relationship they are unhappy in.

It also occurs to men as well, where a man might wish to enter into another relationship with another man, this is often a trigger for honour-based abuse against them.

For many of us, relationships are a choice.

We have the freedom to choose our relationships and we have the choice to leave if we are unhappy.

But in some cultures, for those that feel under pressure or are being compelled by family to conform to their traditions and live in fear of abuse if they do not adhere to this.

Help is available.

If you are suffering from Honour Based Abuse or you believe somebody you know to be suffering, you can seek advice from the following organisations:

• Karma Nirvana 08005999247
• Hadhari Nari 01332 270101
• Derby Women's Centre 01332 341633
• Derbyshire Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse Service 08000198668.
• Refuge 0808 2000247
• Halo Project 08081 788424

You can also report directly to Derbyshire police using any of the below methods, in confidence 24 hours a day:

• Facebook – send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website – complete the online contact form derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
• Phone – call us on 101.

Please note in an emergency always call 999.