Honour‑based abuse is a serious form of harm that can affect people from many different backgrounds. It is rooted in the idea that a person has brought, or might bring, “shame” on their family or community. This belief can lead to control, pressure and, in some cases, extreme violence.
Although it is a long standing form of abuse, there has not been a statutory definition of honour-based abuse in the UK, until February 2026, when the the UK government introduced a new legal definition. It is as follows:
“An incident or pattern of violence, threats of violence, intimidation, coercion, control or abuse (including but not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, economic, spiritual, faith‑related or emotional abuse) motivated by the perpetrator’s perception that an individual has shamed, or may shame, the perpetrator, the family, or community, or has otherwise broken, or may break, the perceived norms of the community’s accepted behaviours. This includes situations where speaking out about abuse is itself seen as shameful and where fear of shame prevents a victim from accessing support or help.”
This abuse can take many forms, including emotional pressure, threats, physical or sexual harm, financial control, or the misuse of religion or faith. A key point is that it is driven by the perpetrator’s belief that honour or reputation is at stake. In many cases, even asking for help or speaking out about abuse is seen as shameful, making it harder for people to get support.
Why does a legal definition matter?
Having this definition allows services to correctly identify and appropriately respond to this type of abuse. Understanding honour‑based abuse helps individuals, communities and professionals recognise the signs earlier and respond in a way that keeps people safe.
How is honour‑based abuse different?
Honour‑based abuse is sometimes wrongly described as a “cultural” issue. It is important to be clear: honour‑based abuse is not a cultural tradition or a religious practice. It is abuse, and it can happen in any community.
One feature that is often seen in honour‑based abuse that is different, is that it may involve more than one person. Pressure or harm may come from parents, siblings, extended family members or even the wider community.
There is also a higher risk of serious harm when someone is seen as challenging expectations. This can include forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), or, in extreme cases, murder carried out in the name of “honour”. Fear of bringing further shame can mean victims feel trapped and unable to ask for help.
What does honour‑based abuse look like?
Honour‑based abuse does not always start with violence. It often begins with control and pressure.
Someone may be forced or pressured into a marriage they do not want. This is known as forced marriage and is different from an arranged marriage, where consent is freely given. Warning signs can include secrecy about relationships, sudden plans to travel abroad, or a person not returning from a trip.
Honour‑based abuse can involve practices such as FGM, carried out to control behaviour or sexuality. Others may experience physical violence that is justified as punishment for bringing “shame” on the family.
Threats are also common. These may be directed at the individual or at their loved ones. Control can include being watched closely, cut off from friends, taken out of education or prevented from working. Sudden withdrawal from school or employment can be a sign that something is wrong.
Sometimes the abuse is enforced by a wider group, with people being hidden, moved away or prevented from speaking to professionals. In some cases, running away from home may be an attempt to escape this control.
What is often seen as “shameful”?
What is labelled as shameful varies, but common triggers include forming relationships outside of marriage or outside an approved community, refusing a forced marriage, or rejecting FGM.
Other examples include choices around clothing or lifestyle, being LGBTQ+, ending a marriage, seeking a divorce, or wanting to continue education. Speaking out about abuse, asking for help, or being the subject of gossip can also be treated as bringing shame.
Support is available
Honour‑based abuse thrives in silence. No one deserves to be controlled, harmed or threatened because of beliefs about honour or reputation.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. You deserve safety, dignity, and support.
If you or someone you know may be affected by honour‑based abuse, Yellow Door offers confidential support, advice and safe pathways to help. Our Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy service can help survivors of honour-based abuse by amplifying their voice and helping to find services for them to move on to lead happy and healthy lives free from abuse. Types of support include:
- Securing safe accommodation and relocation options if there is risk at home.
- Legal advice and protection orders where applicable.
- Access to mental health support, counselling, and trauma-informed care.
- Help with education, employment, and independent and safe living.
If you are experiencing abuse, you can make a referral to Yellow Door.
Read more about perceived shame in our document here. Yellow Door also offers training on issues around Honour Based Violence, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation.