Honour-Based Violence | Resources
This page is dedicated to valuable resources, studies, research projects, survey reports, and articles on the subject of so-called honour-based violence. I plan to add more content in the future, but I hope that even at this early stage, it will provide you with new information, help you better support yourself or others, and offer a greater understanding of this critical aspect of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
“’Honour’-based abuse: A descriptive study of survivor, perpetrator, and abuse characteristics,” Journal of Investigative Psychology and Offender, by Keziah Ridley, Louise Almond, Nefeli Bafouni, Afrah Qassim
Current literature on ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) has largely focussed on exploring the lived experience of individuals, with limited analysis of the prevalence and associations of abuse characteristics. The aim of this study was to identify base rates of survivor, perpetrator and abuse characteristics. To identify these characteristics and their prevalence, 160 cases from Savera UK, a charity specialising in ‘honour’-based abuse, and harmful practices, were coded for 66 variables and descriptive statistics produced.
“Crimes of the Community: Honour-Based Violence in the UK,” by James Brandon and Salam Hafez, 2008
Crimes of the Community (Quilliam Foundation/Civitas, 2008) offers a sobering, evidence-driven exploration of honour‑based violence in the UK, revealing how honour killings, forced marriage, FGM, rape and abuse stem from entrenched codes of honour in BME communities. Drawing on real case studies—including Banaz Mahmod—and interviews with survivors, practitioners and NGOs, it critically examines systemic policing failures and proposes multi‑level policy reforms.
“In the Name of Honour: A Report on Violence Against Women in Jordan,” by Human Rights Watch, 2004
A truly groundbreaking investigation into honour killings in Jordan. Drawing on survivor testimonies, legal analysis, and field interviews, the report exposes how women are murdered by relatives under the pretext of defending family honour. It highlights clear systemic failures—including reduced sentences for perpetrators—and reveals how cultural norms and weak legal protections perpetuate impunity. This influential study helped shape global understanding and policy discourse on honour-based violence especially in the Middle East.
“Forced Marriage in Immigrant Communities in the United States: 2011 National Survey,” by Tahirih Justice Center, 2011
This pioneering national survey by the Tahirih Justice Center investigates the hidden crisis of forced marriage in immigrant communities across the United States. Drawing on responses from over 500 professionals, the report identifies over 3,000 known or suspected cases, often tied to honour-based rationales. It explores cultural pressures, gender inequality, and systemic service gaps, offering policy and legal reform recommendations. The study helped shape US discussions on HBV, linking forced marriage to broader issues of coercion, violence, and women’s rights within diverse cultural contexts.
“Breaking the Silence: Addressing Honour-Based Violence (HBV) as a Form of Systemic Sex-Based Violence Against Women and Girls,” by OECD, 2023
This comprehensive OECD study synthesises cross‑national survey data and policy case studies to examine the full spectrum of gender‑based violence—including “honour‑based violence”, forced marriage, sexual and intimate partner violence. It proposes a victim/survivor‑centred governance framework built on three pillars: robust legal systems and access to justice; transforming restrictive gender norms; and integrated services across health, housing, and social protection. The report offers concrete strategies for prevention, accountability and social transformation.
“Honor-Based Abuse in England and Wales: Who Does What to Whom?” by Lis Bates
Key findings are presented from an in-depth study profiling 1,474 cases of ‘honour’-based abuse known to police and victim services in England and Wales. Thematic and quantitative analyses were used to investigate whether and how ‘honour’-based abuse differed from other forms of domestic abuse and forced marriage. A new typology of ‘honour’-based abuse is proposed, based principally on the relationship(s) between victim and perpetrator(s).
“So-called Honour-Based Abuse” House of Commons Committee report by ‘Women and Equalities Committee’, 19 July 2023
The Women and Equalities Committee launched an inquiry in November 2022, as part of their wider Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls programme of work and following stakeholder consultation. They heard from academics, representatives from specialist services, the NPCC, CPS, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and Government ministers. In addition to these four key areas, their report also considers support for by-and-for services, which are an essential mechanism for assisting victims of ‘honour’-based abuse, the inclusion of ‘honour’-based abuse in the UK’s relationship, sex and health education curriculum, and the concept of ‘honour’-based abuse as an aggravating factor in law.
“Honour’ Killing and Violence – Theory, Policy and Practice” Book by Aisha K. Gill, C. Strange, K. Roberts, 2014
An important resource for academics, practitioners and students working in the areas of gender-based violence internationally and within Britain. This well-written volume provides coverage of several important issues and contexts, including law and policy; and community and state responses in Britain, Europe, India and North America. It also benefits from its interdisciplinary: the contributors use skills from a range of academic disciplines, including history, economics, law, criminology and psychology, to look at this issue, and together they provide a coherent and timely dialogue that will provide fresh and fascinating insight into the topical issue of ‘honour’ killing and violence.
Additional resource on honour-based violence
“NEVER A VICTIM – The Definitive Guide to Women’s Safety,” written by Robert Kaiser, 2025.
NEVER A VICTIM is a 530-page, thought-provoking, survivor-led, and trauma-informed book on women’s safety, empowering readers to trust their intuition, recognise danger, and protect themselves effectively. It provides clear, comprehensive answers to some of the most serious and complex questions women have about their personal safety. The second part of this comprehensive book provides specific guidance on various types of gender-based violence, including so called honour-based violence.