Call for Evidence

So-called honour-based violence and abuse has been highlighted by the wider public and stakeholders as an important focus area for the Committee’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) work.

The Crown Prosecution Service defines honour-based abuse as “an incident or crime involving violence, threats of violence, intimidation coercion or abuse (including psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse) which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of an individual, family and/ or community for alleged or perceived breaches of the family and/or community’s code of behaviour”. Offences include murder, physical abuse,  psychological abuse, forced marriage,female genital mutilation (FGM), abandonment, forced suicide, breast flattening and dowry abuse.

We want to understand more about the nature and prevalence of this kind of abuse.  In particular we’d like to hear about the following:

• What forms of violence against women and girls are motivated by so-called honour? Are these different forms understood by the Government, police and other agencies?
• How prevalent is honour-based abuse? What do we know about the background or characteristics of victims and perpetrators?
• What is known about abuse practised under the pretext of upholding cultural norms? Is there available data and/or research on the prevalence of these practices?
• What are the challenges or barriers faced by victims of honour-based abuse in seeking support or protection?
• How would you assess the police response to honour-based abuse? How could it be improved?
• Is the current law in relation to honour-based abuse adequate to protect victims? If not, what should change?
• What are the challenges for services supporting victims of honour-based abuse? How could those challenges be mitigated or overcome?

We know that this inquiry raises distressing and highly sensitive content. If you believe that you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger, please contact the police on 999.

If you are in need of support, here are some organisations which could assist you:

Freedom Charity - UK-based charity formed to give support to victims of forced marriage and violence upon women thought to have brought dishonour on their family. Helpline: 0845 607 0133 or text the words 4freedom: to 88802

The Halo project

A national project run by and for the black and minoritised community aiming to eliminate forced marriage, honour based abuse and female genital mutilation.

The Asian Women’s Centre

They offer ‘support to women and children who have been affected by domestic abuse, forced marriages, honour based and faith-based abuse. The centre are part of a  pan-London partnership and on their Projects page they give links to other community based organisations working in the same field.

Important information about making a submission 

Please read this section before making a submission. This information is particularly important for people making written submissions in an individual capacity, and about their own lived experience. 

Written evidence must address the terms of reference as set out above, but please note that submissions do not have to address every point. Guidance on giving evidence to a select committee of the House of Commons is available. 

Individual cases 

In line with the general practice of select committees the Women and Equalities Committee is not able to take up individual cases. If you would like political support or advice you may wish to contact your local Member of Parliament.

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Safeguarding 

If your evidence raises any safeguarding concerns about you, or other people, then the Committee has a responsibility to raise these with the appropriate safeguarding authority. 

If you have immediate safeguarding concerns about yourself or someone else, we would urge you to contact the Police on 999.