Honour-based abuse — what it is and where to get official help
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-09-01
Definition
Honour-based abuse (HBA) is violence, threats or other abuse committed to protect or defend the "honour" of a family or community. It can include:
- forced marriage or pressure to marry
- restrictions on leaving home, studying or working
- surveillance, confiscation of documents or money
- threats, emotional abuse, physical violence — and in the most serious cases, so-called honour killings
Victims are overwhelmingly but not exclusively women and girls; men and boys are also victims. HBA is not unique to any one community or faith, and it is a crime and a form of domestic abuse under the law of England and Wales.
Immediate safety
- If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
- The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) is the government's specialist unit for forced marriage and honour-based abuse cases, including cases abroad. It offers free, confidential advice to victims, professionals and worried relatives, and can help prevent someone being taken abroad for a forced marriage. Contact details are on gov.uk — search "Forced Marriage Unit".
- Specialist charities with helplines (including those experienced with HBA) are listed on gov.uk's domestic abuse pages.
Legal protections
- Forced Marriage Protection Orders — a court order preventing a forced marriage or requiring steps to protect a person at risk; breaches are a criminal offence.
- Non-molestation orders and occupation orders under the Family Law Act 1996 — civil protection against an abusive family member or partner.
- For children, the local authority can act under children legislation, and schools and health professionals have duties to refer safeguarding concerns.
- A person cannot be compelled into a marriage that is not freely consented to; forced marriage is a criminal offence in England and Wales.
One chance rule
Professionals are trained that a victim may get only one chance to disclose safely. If someone discloses, do not approach the family, do not hold a family meeting, and do not send the person home to "think it over" — refer immediately to police or the FMU.
Official links
- https://www.gov.uk/stop-forced-marriage
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/forced-marriage
- https://www.gov.uk/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help
This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with HMCTS or gov.uk.
Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.