Honour Based Violence (HBV) encompasses all crimes which have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and / or the community.  It is often linked to family members or acquaintances who mistakenly believe someone has brought shame to their family or community by doing something that is not in keeping with the traditional beliefs of their culture.

This might include:-

• relationships with others from different cultures or religions;
• belonging to a different culture or religion;
• not being willing to be part of an arranged or forced marriage;
• wearing non traditional clothing;
• participating in activities which are not seen as part of tradition in that culture;
• expressing autonomy;
• expressing homosexuality.

Women and girls are the most common victims but boys and men can also be affected.

Crimes of honour do not always include violence but there may be domestic abuse, threats of violence, sexual or psychological abuse, someone being held against their will or being taken somewhere they do not want to go.

Victims of HBV are more likely to underestimate the risks to their safety than overstate them.

HBV also includes Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), forced marriage, and practices such as breast ironing.

Forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both of the parties is married without his or her consent or against his or her will.  A forced marriage differs from an arranged marriage, in which both parties consent to the assistance of their parents or a third party (such as a matchmaker) in identifying a spouse.

It is estimated that approximately 8,000 to 10,000 forced marriages of British citizens take place every year often resulting in devastating long term consequences for the victims.

There is no religion that says it is right to force someone into marriage.

All forms of so called HBV are abuse (regardless of the motivation) and need to be handled and escalated as such.

Any person who suspects that an individual is the victim of HBV should alert the appropriate authorities.  If the individual is in immediate danger the police should be contacted.

Staff know to pass on any concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Leads.  Similarly, any concerns raised by other sources about students in the school will be referred onto the Designated Safeguarding Leads.