‘Honour-based abuse’ refers to harmful behaviours used to control individuals within families or communities to protect perceived cultural, religious, or familial honour. These behaviours may include physical violence, emotional manipulation, abandonment, and in extreme cases, honour killings. Abuse may occur when someone is perceived to have brought ‘dishonour’ to the family or community, by not conforming to expected norms.
Some examples of honour-based abuse include:
- Forced marriage: Coercing individuals into marrying against their will, often to uphold family honour or strengthen social ties.
- Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: Involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons, often carried out as a way to control a woman's sexuality and preserve family honour.
- Virginity testing
- Enforced abortion
- Physical and verbal abuse
- Confinement
- Abduction
- Sexual abuse
- Murder or "Honour Killings”
Shame-based harm and cultural pressures
In some cultures there can be a strong emphasis placed on family reputation, “face” and social conformity. You may experience emotional abuse through guilt, isolation, or rejection due to:
- Seeking help for mental health issues
- Expressing LGBTQ+ identities
- Pursuing personal choices that conflict with family expectations.
These experiences can be deeply distressing and isolating.
Supporting resources for students and staff
- Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline provides support and advice 24/7. Call 0800 027 1234 or visit website for webchat and email options
- Bright Choices | MCFB - Multi Cultural Family Base supports anyone experiencing honour related difficulties and honour abuse. Contact 0131 467 7052
- Shakti Women’s Aid supports black minority ethnic (BME) women. Contact: 0131 475 2399
- For more services, please visit our External support agencies list.