Raising awareness of honour-based abuse and forced marriage

On day 4 of the 16 days of Action Against Domestic Violence, we are raising awareness of honour-based abuse.  

Honour-based abuse is defined as a crime or incident which has or may have been committed to defend the ‘honour’ of the family or community. 

Anyone can be a victim of it, regardless of age and gender and it is not specific to any community, nationality, culture or religious group.

Perceived family or community ‘honour’ can often be used as a justification for carrying out a range of violent crimes, including sexual assault, harassment, kidnap and forced marriage.  

Forced marriage is a criminal offence and happens when one or both people do not or cannot consent to the marriage.  

Opposed to forced marriage, an arranged marriage will only take place if both parties have given their consent.   

Some warning signs of honour-based abuse include:  

• Unexplained absence or poor performance at school or work.  
• Acting withdrawn or upset.  
• Depression, self-harming or attempted suicide.  
• Their movements at home are strictly controlled.  
• Bruising or other unexplained physical injury.  

Detective Inspector Rebecca Hall said: “Everyone should be able to live free of abuse, but we know that’s not always the case. Honour- based abuse can have a devastating impact on people’s lives, as they are controlled by the very people that they should be able to trust the most.  

We know that honour-based abuse is not often spoke about in communities, so it is vitally important that we raise awareness as frequently as possible to ensure that people know exactly what to look out for.  

There are a wide range of organisations who can help if you are not ready to speak to the police, so please don’t be afraid to reach out for support”. 

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.