UK to clarify definition of ‘honour’-based abuse in drive to cut violence against women and girls
Law change, professional training and awareness campaign part of Labour’s pledge to halve violence against women and girls
Ministers are introducing a clearer legal definition of “honour”-based abuse in an attempt to catch more perpetrators and protect women and girls from violence and coercion.
The law change is intended to improve how public services respond to “honour”-based abuse in England and Wales, and forms part of Labour’s plan for change, which includes a pledge to halve violence against women and girls.
Teachers, police officers, social workers and healthcare workers will receive training to spot the signs of “honour”-based abuse and better support victims, while an awareness-raising campaign will encourage victims to come forward.
Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, said: “All forms of ‘honour’-based abuse are devastating crimes that can shatter lives. There is no ‘honour’ in them. For too long, these offences have often been misunderstood by professionals, resulting in victims not getting the support they deserve.
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