Hampshire Sees Decline in Honour-Based Abuse Offences

New figures indicate a decrease in honour-based abuse (HBA) offences recorded by the Hampshire Constabulary last year. The police logged 49 HBA offences in the year ending March 2023, down from 52 in the previous year. HBA encompasses crimes committed to defend the perceived “honour” of individuals, families, or communities, encompassing various forms of abuse, including psychological, physical, sexual, and financial.

Despite the decline in Hampshire, wider trends across England and Wales present a different picture. Police forces collectively registered 2,949 HBA-related offences during the same period, representing a 7% increase from 2,755 the year prior. This rise is particularly notable within the Metropolitan Police, which reported a staggering 35% increase in HBA offences, with numbers climbing from 398 to 539. Authorities attribute this uptick to improved data collection methods.

Among the national statistics, forced marriage cases accounted for 125 offences, while 109 were related to female genital mutilation. These figures reflect decreases of 38% and 2% respectively. Notably, approximately 22% of reported HBA offences involved controlling or coercive behaviour, with 13% relating to assault with injury, and 10% concerning the rape of females aged 16 and over.

In response to these developments, the UK Government announced plans to introduce new statutory guidance and a legal definition of HBA. This initiative aims to enhance the support provided to victims by police, educators, and social workers, thereby facilitating a more effective response to such crimes.

Natasha Rattu, executive director of the charity Karma Nirvana, welcomed the Government’s plans, emphasizing the complexity and hidden nature of HBA. She highlighted that many incidents go unreported, stating, “HBA is not a single crime, but a pattern of control and violence often involving multiple perpetrators.” Rattu underscored the importance of the proposed legal definition, which could clarify the responsibilities of professionals and ensure that victims receive adequate protection.

Similarly, Afrah Qassim, chief executive and founder of Savera UK, expressed concerns regarding the current statistics. She noted that a clear legal definition would enhance police identification efforts and improve survivor protections. Qassim also emphasized the need for the definition to encompass various harmful practices, including conversion therapy and spiritual abuse, to ensure comprehensive support for at-risk individuals.

The Home Office reiterated its commitment to addressing HBA as a serious form of abuse, affirming that “nobody should have to experience” such violence. The Government has pledged to halve violence against women and girls over the next decade, focusing on bringing more perpetrators to justice and ensuring that victims receive the necessary support.

Overall, while Hampshire Constabulary has reported a decrease in honour-based abuse offences, national trends suggest that the issue remains prevalent and complex. The introduction of clearer definitions and guidelines may play a pivotal role in addressing this ongoing challenge.