Abuse Is Never Honourable

The University of Wolverhampton believes that everyone has the right to make choices about their own life, relationships, education and future without fear of abuse, coercion or violence.

So-called "honour-based" abuse is a form of abuse that may occur when individuals are perceived to have acted in a way that is considered by family members or a wider community to have brought shame, embarrassment or dishonour.

There is nothing honourable about abuse.

The term "so-called honour-based abuse" is used because abuse, violence and coercive control can never be justified by culture, tradition, religion or family reputation.

What Is So-Called Honour-Based Abuse?

So-called honour-based abuse can involve a range of behaviours intended to control, punish or restrict an individual's choices and freedoms.

It may involve:

  • emotional abuse;
  • intimidation;
  • threats;
  • coercive control;
  • physical violence;
  • sexual violence;
  • stalking;
  • harassment;
  • isolation from friends or support networks;
  • monitoring of movements or communications;
  • financial control;
  • pressure to conform to family or community expectations.

It may be carried out by:

  • parents;
  • siblings;
  • extended family members;
  • partners;
  • former partners;
  • members of a wider community.

In some cases, multiple individuals may be involved.

Who Can Be Affected?

Anyone can experience abuse.

So-called honour-based abuse can affect:

  • women and girls;
  • men and boys;
  • LGBTQ+ individuals;
  • students;
  • staff;
  • people of any age.

People may be targeted because of:

  • relationships;
  • friendships;
  • marriage choices;
  • sexual orientation;
  • gender identity;
  • religious beliefs;
  • lifestyle choices;
  • education;
  • career aspirations;
  • perceived behaviour that differs from family or community expectations.

Warning Signs

Every situation is different, but warning signs may include:

  • excessive monitoring by family members;
  • restrictions on social activities;
  • restrictions on education or employment;
  • fear of family reactions;
  • threats relating to family reputation;
  • pressure regarding relationships or marriage;
  • being prevented from accessing support;
  • sudden withdrawal from university activities;
  • concerns about travelling abroad;
  • fear of disgracing family members.

Individuals experiencing abuse may feel conflicted because they care deeply about their family, whilst also feeling unsafe.

Forced Marriage

Forced marriage is a form of abuse.

A forced marriage occurs when one or both people do not freely and fully consent to the marriage, and pressure, threats, coercion or abuse are used.

Forced marriage is different from an arranged marriage.

In an arranged marriage, both individuals have the freedom to choose whether or not to marry.

In a forced marriage, that freedom is absent.

Forced marriage is illegal in the UK.

Education and Independence

Sometimes concerns arise when an individual begins making choices that differ from family or community expectations.

This may include:

  • attending university;
  • living away from home;
  • choosing a partner;
  • ending a relationship;
  • changing religious beliefs;
  • expressing their identity;
  • Becoming more independent.

Individuals should never be subjected to abuse, intimidation or violence because of these choices.

If This Is Happening To You

If you are experiencing so-called honour-based abuse, you may feel:

  • frightened;
  • isolated;
  • conflicted;
  • guilty;
  • worried about family relationships;
  • unsure who to trust.

You do not have to face this alone.

Support is available.

You will not be judged for seeking help.

If You Are Worried About Someone Else

You may notice that someone:

  • appears fearful of family members;
  • is under significant pressure regarding marriage or relationships;
  • suddenly stops attending university;
  • talks about being sent abroad unexpectedly;
  • appears closely monitored or controlled.

If you are concerned, take the concern seriously.

Do not attempt to mediate with family members yourself.

Seek advice from safeguarding professionals.

What Should Staff Do?

Staff should be aware that individuals experiencing so-called honour-based abuse may be at significant risk.

If concerns are identified:

  • listen carefully;
  • avoid making assumptions;
  • do not contact family members;
  • do not attempt mediation;
  • seek safeguarding advice promptly;
  • consider immediate safety concerns.

The wishes of the individual should be taken seriously wherever possible, whilst recognising safeguarding responsibilities.

Internal Support

Students and staff can access support through:

  • Report + Support
  • Safeguarding Services
  • Student Life Services
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing Services
  • Human Resources (for staff)
  • Chaplaincy and Pastoral Support

Support can be accessed whether you are directly affected or concerned about someone else.

Specialist Support

Some individuals may prefer to access specialist services with expertise in supporting those affected by:

  • so-called honour-based abuse;
  • forced marriage;
  • domestic abuse;
  • family-based coercion;
  • cultural and community-based abuse.

Choosing support that feels safe and appropriate for you is important.

Specialist HBA & Forced Marriage Organisations

  • Karma Nirvana: National charity providing dedicated, confidential support to victims and survivors of HBA and forced marriage. They will never contact your family.
    • Access: Call the National Honour Based Abuse Helpline at 0800 5999 247 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM) or email support@karmanirvana.org.uk. Visit Karma Nirvana.
  • Savera UK: Direct interventions, safeguarding, advocacy, and support for individuals at risk of HBA, forced marriage, and harmful practices.
    • Access: Call the helpline at 0800 107 1955 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM). Learn more at Savera UK.
  • Halo Project: Specialist advocacy, guidance, and trauma-informed support for victims of HBA, forced marriage, and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
    • Access: Call the helpline at 01642 683 045. Visit the Halo Project.
  • Freedom Charity: Awareness and direct assistance for those facing forced marriage, HBA, and FGM.
    • Access: Call 0845 607 0133. Text 4freedom to 88802. Download the "Freedom Charity App" for discreet instruction and tracking.
  • The Sharan Project: Tailored support for South Asian women who have been disowned, or are at risk of being disowned, due to HBA or abuse.
    • Access: Visit The Sharan Project to access online information resources and contact forms.

Government Services

  • Forced Marriage Unit (FMU): Joint Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Home Office unit offering practical help and extraction assistance, particularly if you are feared to be taken abroad.
    • Access: Call 020 7008 0151 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM). For out-of-hours emergencies, call 020 7008 1500 and ask for the Global Response Centre. Email fmu@fco.gov.uk.

Culturally Specific & Regional Women's Organisations

  • Southall Black Sisters: Advocacy, legal advice, and casework for Black and Minoritised women facing domestic violence, forced marriage, and HBA.
    • Access: Call 020 8571 4932 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM).
  • Ashiana: Specialist refuge accommodation, advice, and counselling for South Asian, Turkish, and Iranian women fleeing HBA or forced marriage.
    • Access: Call 020 8539 0427. Visit Ashiana.
  • FORWARD: African women-led organisation focusing on HBA, child marriage, and FGM.
    • Access: Call 020 8960 4000. Email support@forwarduk.org.uk.

Intersectionality & Demographic-Specific Help

  • Galop: Dedicated safety support for LGBT+ individuals facing domestic abuse or familial rejection due to HBA.
    • Access: Call the National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline at 0800 999 5428.
  • Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA): Support and counselling for Jewish women experiencing domestic abuse or pressure.
    • Access: Call 0808 801 0500 (Monday–Thursday, specific hours apply).
  • Childline: Confidential helpline for young people and children under 19.
    • Access: Call 0800 1111 (available 24/7, will not show up on most landline bills).

General 24/7 Crisis Networks

  • National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge): Nationwide support network capable of referring individuals into safe houses or emergency accommodation.
    • Access: Call 0808 2000 247 (Freephone, open 24/7) or use the live chat at Refuge.

Remember

Culture, faith, family and community can be important sources of strength, belonging and identity.

Abuse, coercion, violence and control are never acceptable and should never be justified in the name of honour, tradition, culture or religion.

Everyone has the right to live safely, make their own choices and access support when they need it.

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