Complex Safeguarding

‘Honour’ Based Violence/Abuse and Forced Marriage

Honour based violence (HBV) can affect men and women across a number of cultures and communities and is defined as a crime or incident committed to protect or defend the honour of the family. 

Issues including choice of dress, friends, relationships, forced marriage and careers can all be perceived as impacting on a family’s honour. HBV has the potential to be both a domestic abuse and child abuse concern.

Honour based violence can be distinguished from other forms of violence as it is often committed with some degree of approval and/or collusion from family and/or community members.

• So-called ‘Honour’ Based Violence/Abuse and Forced Marriage Strategy 2019-21
  

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Religious, social or cultural reasons are sometimes given for FGM. However, FGM is child abuse. It’s dangerous and a criminal offence.

Useful resources

• GM Policy and Procedures;  4.2 Female Genital Mutilation Multi-agency
• Home Office: mandatory reporting of FGM
• DoH Mandatory Reporting Flowchart
• Health and Social Care Information Centre –  FGM enhanced datatset
• AFRUCA (Africans United Against Child Abuse) – provides direct services to victims, training to professionals, and awareness raising in the community

Helplines and chat services

• NSPCC FGM Helpline: 0800 0283550.  National helpline launched to support victims and those seeking advice on FGM
• Childline: 0800 1111.  National helpline offers support and advice directly to children about FGM and practical ways to protect themselves / chat service with councillor