Honour-based Abuse Research Articles

‘Honor’ and Its Upholders: Perpetrator Types in ‘Honor’-Based Abuse

ABSTRACT ‘Honour’-based abuse (HBA) studies tend to focus on survivors’ lived experience, with less emphasis on perpetrator characteristics. This study aims to investigate whether various HBA characteristics correlate with different types of perpetrators, based on their relationship with survivors. Savera UK, a charity specialising in HBA and harmful practices, provided 107 cases which were coded for 66 variables. Three main perpetrator types were identified: 1. “Intimate Partner”, 2. “Family” and 3. “Intimate Partner and Family”. Chi-squared analyses were conducted and odds ratios of any significant associations were calculated. The distinct profile of survivor, perpetrator and abuse characteristic for each type was presented. The average number of abuse characteristics reported for the “Intimate partner and Family” perpetrator type was 19, much higher than the other two sub-samples. The implications for professional practice are discussed, highlighting the importance of increasing understanding into ‘honour’-based abuse to improve investigative, safeguarding and prevention interventions.

Understanding “Honour”-Based Abuse and Safeguarding Victim-Survivors

Over the course of the year ending March 2022, England and Wales recorded a total of 2,887 cases of so called “honour”-based abuse (HBA). This was a 6% increase over the previous year’s figures, indicating that this unfortunate phenomenon is on the rise. HBA predominately affects women and girls and with a concerted multiagency approach and prioritisation of survivors’ safety, it can be prevented. This article explores some of the most prominent cases of HBA in the last two decades and provides guidance on how midwives and students can best support victim-survivors.

What works to prevent violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence (VAWDASV)? A systematic evidence assessment

This review identifies effective practice for the prevention of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence (VAWDASV). The review is underpinned by public health principles which provide a useful framework to understand the causes and consequences of violence as well as prevention. This systematic evidence assessment had two stages: a database search identified reviews of interventions designed to prevent VAWDASV, published since 2014; a supplementary search identified primary studies published since 2018. Reviews (n=35) and primary studies (n=16) focus on a range of types of violence and interventions. At the individual and relationship level, interventions work to transform harmful gender norms, promote healthy relationships, and promote empowerment. In the community, effective interventions were identified in schools, the workplace, and health settings. Finally, at the societal level, interventions relate to legislation and alcohol policy. The findings reveal a wealth of literature relating to the prevention of VAWDASV. However, gaps in research were identified in relation to the prevention of trafficking, violence against women, domestic abuse, sexual violence among older age groups, and so-called honour-based abuse other than female genital mutilation. Also, while many interventions focus on change at the individual and relationship level and within community settings, there is less evidence for societal-level prevention. The prevention of VAWDASV is both feasible and effective and there is an imperative to invest both in prevention programming and high-quality research to continue to guide efforts to prevent VAWDASV.

Collaboration, risk and ‘just’ outcomes: challenges and opportunities in policing HBA

ABSTRACT Honour-based abuse (HBA) is a complex phenomenon breaching the boundaries of the domestic abuse and violence against women frameworks within which it is dominantly situated. Although HBA is recognised as a multi-agency issue, police are ultimately responsible for responding to reports of known or suspected HBA. In 2015, a HMIC report highlighted that the police still have some way to go in terms of understanding HBA and adequately protecting victims. This paper presents findings from a project on the early identification of HBA, which generated evidence surrounding the key challenges encountered by police responding to HBA cases that may or may not have been identified as such, and recommendations on how practice can be improved. The focus is upon three key areas emerging as in need of attention: Firstly, negotiating the complexities posed by the frequently collective and collaborative nature of HBA; secondly, conducting effective risk assessments; and thirdly, ensuring a ‘just’ outcome for victims of HBA. The final part of the paper outlines opportunities for police policy and practice to be enhanced so that ultimately, victims of HBA can be more adequately safeguarded.

‘Honour’‐based abuse: A descriptive study of survivor, perpetrator, and abuse characteristics

AbstractCurrent literature on ‘honour’‐based abuse (HBA) has largely focussed on exploring the lived experience of individuals, with limited analysis of the prevalence and associations of abuse characteristics. The aim of this study was to identify base rates of survivor, perpetrator and abuse characteristics. To identify these characteristics and their prevalence, 160 cases from Savera UK, a charity specialising in HBA and harmful practices, were coded for 66 variables and descriptive statistics produced. Fifteen of the coded abuse characteristics were present in more than 50% of cases, with ‘Emotional/psychological abuse and coercive control’, ‘Specific family cultural traditions’, ‘Gender‐based socialisation’ and ‘Physical violence’ being the only characteristics seen in more than 75% of cases. These represent the core characteristics of HBA but there are indications of qualitative and quantitate differences in this sample. Understanding the prevalence of characteristics is key to effectively identifying abuse, supporting survivors and improving effective prevention strategies.

Evaluating the value of the police Independent Advisory Group (IAG): Honour Based Abuse Crime (HBA), Forced Marriage (FM) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

This article examines focus group responses from an England Police Force Independent Advisory Group (IAG). It explores the role played by IAG members in advising police on cultural matters associated with Honour Based Abuse (HBA), Forced Marriage (FM) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Findings illustrate that IAG members, largely ethnic minority female in composition, possess a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experience. They adeptly scrutinise officer decision-making, provide useful case management interventions and challenge the dominant narrative. They propose that statutory services inadvertently perpetuate racial stereotypes by tokenistic use of ethnic minority professionals. IAGs expose that health professionals hold vital information about FGM adult victims, which under current UK guidance they are not obligated to disclose. IAGs are an untapped operational resource, capable of supporting professionals (and thereby victims) within Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences. Documenting of IAG decisions is necessary to evaluate their consistency, value, and long term impact.

Investigating honour-based abuse and other crimes in South Asian communities: the benefits, limitations and impacts of ‘ethnic matching’ and ethnic ‘difference’ of police officers

ABSTRACT This article considers the benefits, limitations and potential impacts of ‘ethic matching’ South Asian (SA) police officers to victims, or conversely allocating ‘different’ non-SA officers to reported honour-based abuse (HBA) cases and other crimes. To explore these themes, semi-structured interviews in one English police force with 15 police specialist detectives in Public Protection took place. Lack of cultural competence by some non-SA officers was evident, exposing stereotyping and tokenism. Some professional race anxiety features, but to a lesser extent. Cultural ignorance impacts an officer’s ability to identify crime patterns; results in misconstruing victim perspectives and means that officers may not recognise cues that victims are at risk. The opposing perspective identifies that there are enormous benefits to ‘ethnic matching’ SA officers and victims when investigating crimes, notably enhanced insight due to cultural competence, excellent victim rapport and the use of foreign language skills. Conversely, findings indicate that in exceptional circumstances cultural bias by some same ethnicity officers can act as an impediment, influencing officer decision-making and detrimentally affecting victims’ best interests. Extant literature reinforces the contention that victims do not want to be ‘ethnic matched’ to the police or other professionals, for fear that officials may leak information to the wider community. Albeit there are notable benefits to ethnic matching, factors such as training and experience are equally important. Nevertheless, the article affords valuable insights into the strengths and limitations of ethnic matching and ethnic difference, which will aid operational supervisory police officers when resourcing such incidents.

Who's policing whom? A look into the policing responses to harmful practices and the role of civic society

The United Nations defines harmful practices as: ‘… persistent practices and behaviours grounded on discrimination on the basis of sex, gender and age and other grounds as well as multiple and/or intersecting forms of discrimination that often involve violence and cause physical and/or psychological harm or suffering’. They are commonly perceived to be based on tradition, culture, custom and practice, religion and/or superstition, and in certain communities and societies these practices have been established for so long that they are considered or perceived to be part of accepted cultural norms. Where they have gone unchallenged for multiple generations, they have become ‘normalised’, which often makes it difficult to make the distinction between cultural/traditional norms and enforced harmful and controlling behaviour. Examples of harmful practices include, but are not limited to, female genital mutilation, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, dowry violence and abuse linked to faith and belief, such as witchcraft, possessions and breast ironing – all of which are practiced and are prevalent in the UK today. The focus of this paper is honour based abuse (HBA), which is often applied as a precursor to other harmful practices and which lends itself to highlighting the intersectionality of this largely gendered practice. The role of affected communities is explored, as is how this can lead to a culture of self-policing. A panoptic framework is adopted before conclusions are drawn as to the future of policing in addressing these hidden harms. The aim of this paper is not to provide a comprehensive critical analysis of policing responses to an ever evolving and highly complex crime type, nor is it to present all BAME women and communities as a homogeneous group, but rather to further explore some of the key concepts that arose from discussions and which may go some way to understanding hidden harms that exist in relation to honour and shame.

Experiences of domestic abuse within the South Asian community

The Black Lives Matter social movement has once again raised important societal issues around structural and racial inequalities. These issues stem from our political and social structures, which are argued to be a continuance of colonial rule and which allow injustice to amplify. There are many who continue to suffer and are often overlooked, namely victims of domestic abuse within the South Asian community. The Domestic Abuse Bill (DAB) is currently going through the Parliamentary process. It is argued that the DAB is flawed due to an absence of provisions and support for minority ethnic groups, namely the South Asian community. Previous scholarly research has documented the prevalence of honour-based abuse within the South Asian community. Despite the unique nature of abuse, this is not acknowledged in the DAB. The purpose of this paper is to uncover the unique experiences of domestic abuse within the South Asian community by thematically analysing two Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs). The findings will be discussed using aspects of ultra-realism, namely special liberty, and benign neglect. These findings will form the basis of reasoning behind amendment suggestions for the DAB. Following the thematic analysis of the two DHRs and critical literature review, three recommendations were formed: 1) Removal of ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’, thus providing funding to all, despite immigration status; 2) Provide education to police officers and GPs regarding domestic abuse and how it often differs depending on culture, namely the South Asian community; and 3) Implement neighbourhood committees across Britain that have a working relationship with the police to identify cases of domestic abuse within this South Asian demographic.

Book review: Men, Masculinities, and Honour-based Abuse

Book review: Men, Masculinities, and Honour-based Abuse

Introduction to the special issue on honour-based abuse, violence and killings

In acknowledgement of the many efforts made to increase our knowledge on honour crimes, the Journal of Aggression, Conflict, and Peace Research (JACPR) is publishing this special edition on Honour Based Abuse, Violence, and Killings.

Females perpetrating honour-based abuse: controllers, collaborators or coerced?

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address an emerging international debate about the involvement of females in perpetrating honour-based abuse (HBA). Presenting new empirical data, this study profiles the different roles played by women, discussing them in relation to gender and their relationships to victims, and argues that acknowledgement of female perpetrators does not fundamentally challenge a gendered interpretation of HBA.Design/methodology/approachSome 1,474 case files flagged as HBA were gathered from one police force in Southern England and 50 domestic abuse agencies across England and Wales. Descriptive statistics explored which victim, perpetrator and abuse characteristics were associated with female perpetration. Case narratives were thematically analysed to profile the different roles females played. Findings were explored in eight key informant interviews with caseworkers from the services data came from.FindingsThis paper finds that: females are more involved in perpetrating HBA than other forms of domestic abuse, but primary perpetrators are still mostly male; victims are overwhelmingly female; the context for abuse is the maintenance of patriarchal values on gender roles; female perpetrator roles vary, meriting further exploration; and female perpetrators can be conceptualised within a gendered framework.Originality/valueThis paper presents important new empirical data to advance the debate on the role of women in perpetrating HBA. It will be of interest to academics, researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners alike.

Honour based abuse: the response by professionals to vulnerable adult investigations

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine responses by police and Adult Social Care to honour based abuse (HBA) victims who have a diagnosed or perceived vulnerability, such as a physical disability or mental health issue. The aim is to improve professional practice in ensuring vulnerable victims are safeguarded.Design/methodology/approachFindings are drawn from 100 HBA investigations (2012-2014) derived from classified police electronic records and interviews with 15, predominantly specialist, public protection police officers in one UK force.FindingsHBA against vulnerable adults is an obscure crime area. In cases of diagnosed vulnerability (3 per cent), police officers wrongly attributed “freewill” and choice to vulnerable adults who legally lacked the capacity to consent to marriage. Conversely, in 9 per cent of cases where victims were depressed and/or self-harming, perpetrators exaggerated the poor mental health of victims in order to discredit them to law enforcement. Professionals illogically latched onto perpetrator explanations and in turn undermined and problematised the victims.Research limitations/implicationsThere is limited access to data on vulnerable adult abuse, making this an under researched area of crime.Practical implicationsFailing to undertake risk assessments, or record whether the victim is legally vulnerable should lead to a review of police practice. An evaluation of joint working arrangements is necessary concerning which agency (police or Adult Social Care) should take primacy.Social implicationsVulnerable adult victims were retained in risk predicaments alongside perpetrating family members.Originality/valuePolice officers suggesting vulnerable adults can “consent” to marriage is a new concept, along with issues of goal displacement which illustrates avoidance behaviours by professionals and under protection by the state.

Exploring the role of mothers in ‘honour’ based abuse perpetration and the impact on the policing response

This article intends to illuminate the role played by mothers within ‘honour’ based abuse (HBA) crime, an issue that is both obscured and under researched. Findings are drawn from 100 HBA investigations (2012–2014) and fifteen semi structured interviews (2016) with specialist police officers in one UK police force.The findings show that mothers play fundamental, indeed “massive” role in perpetrating honour abuse against daughters. Mothers inflict violence, sometimes with an intention to induce an abortion; they inflict hard psychological abuse and condone the violence inflicted by other male relatives, mainly sons. This article challenges the ability for mothers to effectively safeguard child victims of HBA. Police under recording of female perpetration is apparent. Victim loyalty and reluctance to prosecute mothers contributes to the blurred of boundaries between mothers as ‘perpetrators’ and mothers as secondary ‘victims’ acting under duress. Such factors adversely affect the policing response.