Government unveils crackdown on ‘honour’-based abuse

The government has unveiled a package of new measures designed to crack down on so-called ‘honour’-based abuse, pledging stronger protections for victims and tougher action against perpetrators.

The changes form part of the wider Plan for Change and the government’s ambition to halve violence against women and girls.

For the first time, a legal definition of ‘honour’-based abuse will be introduced alongside statutory guidance to help frontline professionals, including police officers, social workers and teachers, identify and respond more effectively to cases. Ministers said the move will make clear that these crimes must be taken seriously, ensuring crucial evidence is not overlooked and perpetrators can be held to account in court.

The National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls will also work with police forces to improve how they assess the risks posed by offenders. The aim is to strengthen early intervention so that victims receive support sooner. In addition, the Home Office will pilot a prevalence study to better understand how widespread ‘honour’-based abuse is, while a new community awareness campaign will encourage victims to come forward.

Training programmes for teachers, healthcare professionals, social workers and officers will be expanded to improve awareness of warning signs and ensure suspected cases are handled appropriately.

The measures have been welcomed by survivors’ charities including Leeds-based Karma Nirvana and 22 other specialist organisations. The mother of Fawziyah Javed, who was tragically murdered by her husband in 2021 after suffering abuse, also backed the reforms. At the time of her death, Fawziyah was pregnant and preparing to leave her marriage.

Recent figures show 2,755 ‘honour’-based abuse related offences were recorded by police in England and Wales, including forced marriage, female genital mutilation and killings. Campaigners say the true scale is likely to be far higher.

Earlier this year, the joint Home Office and Foreign Office Forced Marriage Unit launched a new mission statement and action plan to improve how cases are handled both in the UK and overseas. The latest package builds on that work, strengthening efforts to tackle forced marriage, which ministers describe as a “debilitating and devastating” form of ‘honour’-based abuse.

“These crimes can cause unimaginable long-lasting pain for their victims. They have no place in our society and we must do everything we can to put a stop to them.

“This starts with a clearer definition of the crime and guidance backed in law so that government, law enforcement and the voluntary sector can work hand in hand to give victims the support they deserve. It is also vital that we understand the true scale and nature of these crimes so that more victims are protected and more perpetrators face justice.”

Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls.

The reforms represent the latest milestone in the government’s mission to halve violence against women and girls.

Violence against women and girls at The Emergency Tech Show 2025

The conversation on tackling violence against women and girls will continue at The Emergency Tech Show 2025, where a dedicated session will look at technology’s role in halving such crimes.

Joy Allen, Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham and DI Andy Phillips from Durham Constabulary will share how innovative technology is being used both in the control room and on the frontline to strengthen trust between victims and police, and to drive meaningful change.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear first-hand how bold approaches are shaping a safer future. Register for your free ticket to The Emergency Tech Show here.