Honour Based Violence (HBV) isn’t tied to any one culture or religion. It’s not tradition. It’s abuse – and it can happen in any community. No one has the right to control, hurt or silence you – not your partner, not your family. Many cases go unreported. It stays hidden, and that’s why it continues.
Our campaign Empowering Voices aims to shed a light on "so called" Honour Based Violence.
Please download our resources here to learn more about what Honour based violence is, how to spot it, and what you can do to help.
Honour Based Campaign Leaflet
Hear from a fellow student:
When Survival Meets Silence: Speaking Out Against Honour Abuse
There are moments in life that shape you - moments where silence isn’t just absence, but survival. For years, I carried the weight of things unsaid, believing that speaking out would dishonour my family, my culture, my community. But what about the dishonour of harm? What about the pain hidden behind “what will people say”?
I am a survivor. And while the details of my experience are personal and private, what I will share is this: it was shaped not only by the actions of individuals, but by a culture of silence, shame, and control. These elements are the unspoken pillars of what is often called honour-based abuse.
Honour abuse isn’t just about forced marriage or physical violence. It’s about psychological control. It’s about being taught that your voice is dangerous, your choices shameful, your independence a betrayal. It’s about being told that your pain must be hidden - for the sake of appearances, for the sake of tradition.
But tradition does not excuse abuse. Culture should never be used as a weapon. And silence should not be the price we pay for survival.
As someone with deep cultural and religious roots, I understand the beauty of community and faith. But I also understand how these can be twisted by those who seek to control. There is a fine line between guidance and coercion, between protection and imprisonment.
To other survivors - especially those navigating similar cultural tensions—I see you. You are not alone. Your voice matters, even if it shakes. Healing is not linear, and reclaiming your story takes time. But you deserve to live without fear. You deserve joy, safety, and freedom.
Sharing this blog is my quiet act of resistance. It is my way of breaking the cycle - gently, but firmly. And perhaps, in speaking out just a little, I will help someone else speak up a little louder.
Let this be a reminder: honour lies in truth, not silence.
Support Information:
If there is an immediate risk to life or violence, please call 999 to contact the police. If you can't speak, respond to the operator's questions with a cough, tap, or by pressing 55 if prompted. This will indicate a genuine emergency, and that you are unable to speak freely.
If you’re experiencing honour-based violence, coercive control, or abuse of any kind - help is here. You don’t have to face this on your own. Below are safe, confidential services that can support you, whether you're ready to talk or just need to know your options.