Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) + Support for Men and Boys

Harmful traditional practices are often justified by culture, religion, or superstition. These acts are dangerous, illegal and violate human rights. These practices are frequently carried out or supported by parents or influential adults within a child or young person’s community.

Different harmful practices/Forms of Honour based the list below:

• Bride Price and Dowry Violence
• Breast Ironing
• Virginity Testing
• Spirit Possession, Witchcraft, Religious Fervor
• Son Preference/ Sex Selection
• Preventing women from controlling their own fertility
• Conversion Therapy

These harmful practices are: 

• A crime
• A form of child abuse
• A form of violence against women and girls
• A violation of human rights and form of torture.

Read more about the National and International Laws regarding Harmful Practices.

Key Harmful Practices Explained

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) 

Female genital mutilation also known as ‘cutting’, Involves cutting or removing female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is often carried out on young girls under the age of 15.

It is a cultural practice considered a rite of passage and is done under the guise of keeping the girl safe and pure until marriage.

It is illegal in most countries, including the UK, and its harmful consequences are widely recognised, including long-term problems with sex, childbirth and mental health. 

• For Advice for GP's, please see here
• For medical practitioners asked to perform examinations, especially those in Accident and Emergency, please read here.

So Called 'Honour-Based Abuse' (HBA)

Honour-based abuse is abuse committed to protect or defend the so-called 'honour' of a family and/or community.

It is a crime or incident carried out to protect “family honour.” It can include threats, violence, and controlling behaviour. Often by family members.

To understand how to appropriately respond to a disclosure of HBA, see here.

Forced Marriage

This occurs when one or both individuals do not or cannot (such as in cases involving learning disabilities or reduced capacity), consent to the marriage and are forced or subjected to abuse to compel their participation.

It is important to be able to understand the difference between forced marriage from arranged marriage, where families may be involved in suggesting or introducing partners, but the final decision to marry lies with the individuals themselves.

Forced marriage is a violation of human rights and is illegal in the UK under the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 and the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.