Dishonour Abuse in the United Kingdom

Why language in law and safeguarding matters

Dishonour Abuse is the term used by Freedom Charity to describe abuse committed in the name of so-called “honour”.

The phrase “honour-based abuse” is widely used in policy and media. However, honour is not the offence. It is the language sometimes used by perpetrators to justify control and violence.

Dishonour Abuse centres the reality: abuse carried out to control, punish or silence a person for allegedly bringing “shame” upon a family or community.

There is no honour in coercion. There is no honour in violence. There is no honour in abuse.

What is Dishonour Abuse?

Dishonour Abuse refers to patterns of coercive, controlling or violent behaviour enforced by family members or wider networks who believe an individual has breached imposed expectations.

It most commonly affects women and girls, although boys and young men may also be targeted.

It differs from many forms of domestic abuse because:

• Multiple perpetrators may be involved
• Abuse may be collectively planned
• Surveillance can extend beyond the home
• Reputation is used as justification

It is both a safeguarding issue and a criminal justice issue.

What is currently described as “honour-based abuse”?

In UK policy, “honour-based abuse” is used as an umbrella term for crimes including:

• Forced marriage
• Female genital mutilation
• Virginity testing
• Coercive or controlling behaviour
• Threats and assault
• Abduction and overseas abandonment
• False imprisonment within the home
• Murder

Each of these is already a criminal offence under UK law.

The criminal conduct is clearly defined. The question is how Parliament chooses to describe it.

The legal framework in the United Kingdom

Dishonour Abuse intersects with established legislation, including:

• Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
• Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003
• Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022
• Serious Crime Act 2015, section 76
• Domestic Abuse Act 2021

Culture, tradition or family reputation do not mitigate criminal responsibility.

Effective enforcement depends on professional clarity and early safeguarding intervention.

Why the term requires reconsideration

Embedding the word honour in statutory language risks repeating the perpetrator’s framing.

Honour suggests moral legitimacy. In these cases, there is none.

Using the term Dishonour Abuse:

• Removes implied legitimacy
• Centres perpetrator conduct
• Strengthens safeguarding thresholds
• Aligns with the Domestic Abuse Act’s focus on patterns of coercion
• Avoids reinforcing harmful narratives

Language shapes professional confidence. Precision strengthens protection.

Clear statutory language supports consistent safeguarding practice. Parliament has an opportunity to ensure that the terminology used in law reflects the criminal reality of coercion and control, rather than the justification offered by perpetrators.