What is HBA?

HBA (Honour Based Abuse) is a pattern of behaviour or crime used to maintain family’s sense of honour. If a family or community perceives itself to be shamed, consequences for the person they hold responsible for the shaming can be punishments like torture, maiming/ killing or more subtle forms of control/ imprisonment, which are more difficult to detect. Violent HBA crimes are rooted in a misguided attempt to keep culture alive in an adopted country, often masked by the complicity of multiple perpetrators who would otherwise serve as witnesses. 

 

HBA survivors often struggle to adjust to everyday existence, often requiring long term support and encouragement to overcome the deep-rooted impact of HBA.