National Day of Memory for victims of honour based abuse – 14 July
July 9, 2024
The national day of memory for victims of honour-based abuse is observed on Sunday, 14 July, in memory of Shafilea Ahmed, a young woman who lost her life in 2003 due to her refusal to accept marriage.
What is Honour-Based Abuse?
Honour-based abuse (HBA) can be described as a collection of practices which are used to control behaviour within families or other social groups to protect perceived cultural and religious beliefs and/or honour.
Such abuse occurs when perpetrators (who can be one or many including: parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, community members), perceive that a relative has shamed the family and/or community by breaking their honour code.
This type of abuse can happen to anyone. It affects people of all ages but often begins early in the family home. Girls and women are particularly at risk of honour-based abuse, however boys and men are also affected and may be at heightened risk if there are factors around disability, sexuality and mental health.
It is a violation of human rights. There is no religious basis for HBA and forced marriage; they are widely condemned by all religious faiths and communities.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHHxF6ahxEg[/embedyt]What are the types of behaviours which may be perceived as breaching the honour of family and/or community?
- refusing an arranged marriage
- relationships outside marriage
- relationships outside the approved group
- ‘inappropriate’ make-up or dress
- loss of virginity,
- running away,
- ideological differences,
- westernisation,
- pregnancy outside of marriage,
- homosexuality,
- reporting/fleeing domestic abuse
- coercive control or forced marriage
- leaving an arranged marriage
- alcohol or drug use.
Possible indicators/warning signs of HBA
If you’re concerned about someone being abused, here are some warning signs to look out for:
- Broken communication between a potential victim and friends, absence from education (or training/workplace).
- Criticism of a potential victim for ‘western’ adoption of dress or make-up (either directly or indirectly).
- Excessive restrictions in leaving the house or being accompanied outside the home in older children.
- Depressive or suicidal tendencies in an otherwise happy person.
‘One Chance’ rule
One Chance rule indicates that professionals need to be aware they may only have one chance to speak to a potential victim, and thus, they may only have one chance to save a life.
Professionals must not approach the family or community leaders, share any information with them or attempt any form of mediation. In particular, members of the local community must not be used as interpreters.
Report it: Is someone in immediate danger? Call 999.
For advice and support, you can contact:
- Safeguarding Children: Email: swbh.safeguardingchildren@nhs.net. 0121 507 2844
- Domestic Abuse Nurses/ MASH Health: Email: swbh.mashnurses@nhs.net 0121 569 7223
- Maternity Safeguarding: Email: swbh.maternitysafeguarding@nhs.net. 0121 507 471111
- Hospital Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA): ED City site 0121 507 4829, Sandwell site 0121 507 3787 swbh.MMUH.domestic-abuse@nhs.net
- Adult Safeguarding Email: Swb-tr.SWBH-Alert-AdultSafeguarding@nhs.net 0121 507 5174
Further information can be found:
What is honour-based abuse? | Metropolitan Police
https://www.roshnibirmingham.org.uk/forced-marriage-honour-based-abuse/
https://blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk/
Department for Health and Social Care Virginity testing and hymenoplasty: multi-agency guidance