Honour-Based Abuse
Honour-based abuse (HBA) refers to acts of violence, intimidation, or coercion committed to protect or defend the perceived honour of an individual, family, or community. It often occurs when someone is thought to have brought shame or dishonour by behaving outside expected cultural or religious norms.
HBA can take many forms, including physical violence, emotional abuse, threats, forced marriage, and in extreme cases, murder. Victims may experience significant pressure and control from family or community members, and the abuse can affect both adults and children.
Key points:
- It is rooted in cultural, social, or religious beliefs about honour and shame.
- Victims may face isolation and fear of repercussions for seeking help.
- It is a serious safeguarding concern and a criminal offence in the UK.
If you suspect someone is at risk of honour-based abuse, it is important to act promptly and seek advice from safeguarding professionals or the police.
Additional information:
Savera UK is a leading UK-based charity working to end honour-based abuse (HBA) and other harmful cultural or faith-based practices such as forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), conversion therapy, virginity testing, breast ironing, spiritual abuse, and dowry-related violence.
What Savera UK Does
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Direct Support & Intervention
Offers a confidential national helpline (0800 107 0726, weekdays 10 am–4 pm) and one‑to‑one safeguarding, advocacy, and emotional and practical support to individuals at risk or experiencing harm.
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Education & Awareness
Provides training for frontline professionals and in schools, community-engagement campaigns, and an extensive Learning Hub full of factsheets, toolkits, and media guidelines focused on HBA and harmful practices.
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Policy, Research & Campaigning
Advocates for policy change, contributes to research, and drives media and public awareness campaigns aimed at shifting attitudes and reducing stigma and shame about these abuses.
Karma Nirvana is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting victims and raising awareness of honour‑based abuse (HBA) and forced marriage.
Mission & History
- Founded in 1993 by survivor Jasvinder Sanghera, Karma Nirvana empowers those affected by forced marriage and cost of so‑called “honour” within communities.
- The name “Karma Nirvana” symbolizes the journey toward peace and liberation after escaping harmful family or community pressures.
Key Issues Addressed
- Forced marriage: where one or both individuals are coerced into marriage without valid consent. Coercion can be physical, emotional, psychological, or financial.
- Honour-based abuse (HBA): acts of violence, threats, intimidation, or coercion aimed at preserving perceived family or community honour. It often overlaps with forced marriage.
Services & Support
- Confidential helpline: reachable at 0800 5 999 247, offering support for individuals and their families on issues related to forced marriage and HBA.
- Specialist counseling, emotional and practical assistance, and safe referrals for accommodation or legal protection. [
- Guidance for professionals: training and resources to promote best safeguarding practices among police, social workers, courts, schools, and community leaders.
- Forced Marriage Protection Orders (FMPOs): legal advice and support for obtaining FMPOs to legally prevent or dissolve coerced marriages.
Advocacy & Impact
- Works closely with the UK Forced Marriage Unit, local authorities, and legal services to prevent “holiday‑trap” abductions and enforce protections.
- Active in policy advocacy, shaping legislation and professional practice to better recognize and challenge HBA and forced marriage