Evidence shows that Honour Based Violence & Forced Marriage mostly occur within South Asian, Turkish, Kurdish and Afro-Caribbean Communities. There are several high profile cases of occurrences in the UK and a number of agencies have been set up to help victims. Most workers in women’s refuges report that the majority of people who use their services to escape a forced marriage are Pakistani.

Our communities and workplace are becoming more diverse and it is important to be aware that one of your colleagues may be facing these issues:

Honour Based Violence is when someone faces persecution for bringing shame on the family; who usually abide by a code of conduct within their Community. The family will then try to restore so called “honour” by persecuting that person through perhaps a forced marriage (sometimes abroad) violence, sexual violence and in many cases murder. Sometimes whole families including children are murdered. Triggers for honour based violence include using drugs or alcohol, being sexually active outside of marriage, the breakdown of a marriage, homosexuality, or simply showing signs of independence & becoming westernised.

Forced Marriage is when a person, sometimes as young as 12 is forced to marry someone without their consent. There are even cases where the ceremony has taken place over the phone. Forced marriage should not be confused with arranged marriage that is consensual.
Those who are forced into marriage may then be forced into a life of slavery or destitution. Lots of victims are forced to marry abroad. Women and girls are mostly affected by Forced Marriage and Honour Based Violence although boys can also be victims.

Signs to be aware of:

• A person suddenly goes missing (does not turn up for work or school) and their family will make excuses for their whereabouts.

• Loss of self esteem and wanting to commit suicide

• Ostracism by family and community

• Physical Injuries

• Domestic Abuse

• Substance Misuse

Victims are often taken on “holiday” or abroad for a “family wedding” and then forced to marry or are murdered. Please be aware of this if you know there is problems at home.

If you are made aware of or suspect Forced Marriage or Honour Based Violence the Police need to be contacted immediately. You can also speak to the Forced Marriages Unit for advice 020 7008 0151 and the Black Association of Women Step Out (BAWSO) 24 Hour Help-line 0800-731 8147