The UK government has announced a landmark crackdown on honour-based abuse to introduce new measures for victims. The crackdown on honour-based abuse is part of the government’s ongoing mission to halve violence against women and girls and deliver its Plan for Change.
The wide-ranging package of reforms introduces a new legal definition of honour-based abuse, enhanced statutory guidance, better training for frontline professionals and a stronger focus on bringing perpetrators to justice. It marks a significant step forward in protecting victims and shine the brightest possible light on crimes that have, for too long, remained hidden within communities.
The reforms immediately received strong support from campaigners, survivors and specialist organisations.
Among them is Karma Nirvana, a leading charity supporting victims of HBA, alongside 22 other organisations. Natasha Rattu, Executive Director of Karma Nirvana, welcomes the changes:
“This is a landmark moment in how ‘honour’-based abuse is understood and responded to in this country. A statutory definition is a powerful recognition of survivors’ voices and will ensure victims are seen, heard and supported.”
The announcement also carries special significance for families who have tragically lost loved ones. Yasmin Javed, the mother of Fawziyah Javed, who was murdered by her abusive husband in 2021, expressed her support:
“I am pleased that the government has listened to our calls for change in Fawziyah’s memory. I hope this helps many more victims and ensures perpetrators are properly recognised and brought to justice.”
A Clearer Legal Definition to Strengthen Protection
For years, honour-based abuse (HBA), a term that covers forced marriage, female genital mutilation and, in the most extreme cases, so called ‘honour killings’, has arguably never been fully understood by authorities. This has left many victims unsupported and, worse, the perpetrators unpunished.
Under the new measures, the government will introduce a statutory definition of HBA. This will ensure police officers, social workers, teachers and healthcare professionals have a shared and consistent understanding of these crimes and are equipped to act quickly when cases arise. The guidance will also help prevent crucial evidence from being overlooked. It is hoped this will ensure victims get the justice they deserve while perpetrators are held fully accountable.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the crackdown on honour-based abuse as a turning point:
“All forms of honour-based abuse are devastating crimes that can shatter lives. There is no ‘honour’ in them. For too long, victims have not received the protection they deserve. These measures mark a crucial step in our mission to halve violence against women and girls and ensure perpetrators face justice.”
Will the crackdown on honour-based abuse improve police response and risk assessment?
The National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) will work closely with police forces to strengthen how officers assess the risks posed by HBA offenders. Their focus will be on early intervention, on identifying threats before they escalate. They also seek to ensure victims receive support as soon as possible.
This collaborative approach aims to address gaps in current systems, where victims often fall through due to lack of coordination between agencies.
Raising awareness and encouraging victims of honour-based abuse to speak out
One of the government’s key goals is to break the silence around HBA.
The Home Office will launch a community awareness campaign aimed at encouraging victims to seek help and report abuse. In addition, a new prevalence study will be piloted to uncover the true scale of the problem across England and Wales providing much needed guidance on where the relevant authorities should deploy their stretched resources where they’re needed most.
In terms of the scale of the problem, recent figures reveal that 2,755 HBA related offences were recorded by police in England and Wales in the past year alone. Experts believe the true number is likely to be far higher given the enormous barriers many victims face when seeking help, many of which are put up within their own communities.
As part of the reforms, teachers, social workers, police officers, and healthcare staff will receive enhanced training to better recognise the signs of abuse and respond effectively when cases arise.
Payzee Mahmod, a survivor and campaigner who lost her sister Banaz to an ‘honour’ killing, highlighted the urgency of these reforms:
“Professionals need the clarity and tools to recognise abuse and act fast. This change represents meaningful progress toward safeguarding survivors and protecting future generations.”
What could the government’s crackdown mean for the future of honour-based abuse?
In short these reforms have been designed as a substantive step toward a safer future. It is intended they will build on existing government initiatives, including the Forced Marriage Unit’s updated action plan that aims to provide stronger support to victims both at home and overseas.
By combining clearer laws, better training, stronger policing and wider awareness, the government hopes to save lives and ensure that victims are no longer left to suffer in silence, a point Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, was quick to underline:
“These crimes have no place in our society. With a clearer definition and stronger guidance backed in law, we can work hand-in-hand with police, charities and communities to make sure victims get the protection they need and perpetrators face justice.”
As a Chambers that has openly discussed honour-based abuse and hosted events to highlight the horrific consequences of all its forms, we trust these reforms mark a turning point in the UK’s fight against honour-based abuse, improving the public’s understanding, strengthening protections, amplifying survivors’ voices and most of all, ensuring no victim is left unheard, unsupported or unprotected.
If you are involved in a case involving any form of honour-based abuse and would like to discuss it with one of our team, please contact us today.