Skip to main content
STATUTORY SAFEGUARDING · KCSIE 2026 ANNEX A

"So-Called" Honour-Based Abuse

A practitioner guide covering the statutory definition, types of HBA, warning signs, the critical "do not mediate" rule, referral pathway, and key legislation, aligned to KCSIE 2026 and Working Together 2026.

KCSIE 2026 Annex A Working Together 2026 Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
2,500+
HBA crimes recorded by police annually (ONS)
Under-reported
Most cases never reach police, community concealment
Any community
HBA is not limited to one religion, culture, or ethnicity
Mandates all staff training on HBA warning signs
Why "so-called" honour-based abuse?

The term "so-called" is used deliberately because there is no honour in abusing, controlling, or killing another person. Using the phrase makes clear that practitioners do not accept the perpetrator's framing. Both KCSIE 2026 and statutory multi-agency guidance use this language.

⚖️ Statutory Definition

KCSIE 2026 Annex A defines HBA as "a collection of practices, which are used to control behaviour within families or other social groups to protect perceived cultural and religious beliefs and/or honour. Such violence can occur when perpetrators perceive that a relative has shamed the family and/or community by, for example, entering into a relationship that is not considered to be appropriate, wearing clothes or taking part in activities that are not considered appropriate."

HBA is a form of domestic abuse under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 . It can involve a wide network of family and community members as perpetrators. It is not solely a two-person abusive relationship.

🔍 Types of HBA
Forced Marriage

A criminal offence since 2014. Distinct from arranged marriage, where consent is absent or coerced.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

A form of HBA and child abuse. Mandatory reporting duty applies. See FGM hub .

Physical Violence

Beatings, burning, acid attacks. May be carried out by multiple family members acting together.

Psychological Abuse

Threats, isolation, surveillance, restriction of movement, removing phones and documents.

Honour Killings

Murders committed to "restore" family honour. Between 12 and 15 cases reported per year in the UK (Karma Nirvana estimate).

Sending Overseas

Child sent abroad for forced marriage, FGM, or "curing" of LGBTQ+ identity. Often told they are going on holiday.

⚠️ Warning Signs in Schools
  • ▸ Unexplained or extended absence from school
  • ▸ Request to leave school without clear reason
  • ▸ Supervised at all times, chaperoned to and from school
  • ▸ Sudden withdrawal from friends, activities, aspirations
  • ▸ Discloses a relationship family disapproves of
  • ▸ Signs of depression, anxiety, self-harm
  • ▸ "Holiday" planned at unusual time of year, one-way ticket
  • ▸ Escorted by a family member who answers for them
  • ▸ Mentions being taken to see a relative abroad
  • ▸ LGBTQ+ identity known or suspected by family
  • ▸ Older sibling dropped out of school in similar circumstances
  • ▸ Phone confiscated; prevented from communicating with friends
🚫 CRITICAL: What You Must NOT Do

Unlike most safeguarding concerns, HBA requires a fundamentally different approach because family involvement can place the victim at greater risk.

  • ✗ Do not contact the family. This could alert them and trigger violence.
  • ✗ Do not attempt mediation. HBA is not a family disagreement.
  • ✗ Do not involve community or religious leaders
  • ✗ Do not send the child home if you believe they are at risk.
  • ✗ Do not reveal that the child has disclosed to anyone in their network.
  • ✗ Do not conduct a joint interview with family present
📋 Referral Pathway
  1. See the child alone to create a safe, private opportunity to hear their concerns directly.
  2. ✗ Do not alert the family under any circumstances at this stage.
  3. ✗ Refer immediately to MASH. Use s.47 Children Act 1989 if under 18, or Care Act s.42 if adult at risk.
  4. If immediate danger, call 999
  5. Contact the Forced Marriage Unit (0207 008 0151) for specialist advice if forced marriage is suspected
  6. For travel at risk, the FMU can issue an alert to Border Force to flag the person at the port.
  7. ✗ Do not promise confidentiality. Explain clearly that you will need to share information to keep them safe.
📚 Key Legislation
  • ▸ Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 : made forced marriage a criminal offence, with sentences up to 7 years' imprisonment.
  • ▸ Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 : provides Forced Marriage Protection Orders (FMPOs).
  • ▸ Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 : criminalises forced marriage and certain aspects of coercive control.
  • ▸ Domestic Abuse Act 2021 : recognises HBA as a form of domestic abuse and established the domestic abuse commissioner role.
  • ▸ FGM Act 2003 : imposes a mandatory reporting duty under s.5B for regulated professionals.
  • ▸ KCSIE 2026 Annex A : requires all staff to understand HBA, FGM, and forced marriage indicators.

📞 Key Contacts

Karma Nirvana Helpline
0800 5999 247 · Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm
Specialists in HBA and forced marriage
Forced Marriage Unit
0207 008 0151 (office hours) · 0207 008 1500 (emergency)
FCDO / Home Office joint unit
MASH / Police
999 (immediate risk) · 101 (non-emergency)
Always refer if a child is at risk of being taken abroad
NSPCC Helpline
0808 800 5000
For professional advice on any HBA concern
→ FGM: Mandatory Reporting Duty → Forced Marriage Hub → Domestic Abuse