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Honour based violence is a violent crime or incident which may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family or community.

It is often linked to family members or acquaintances who mistakenly believe someone has brought shame to their family or community by doing something that is seen as being not in keeping with the traditional beliefs or culture.

For example, honour based violence might be committed against people who:

  • Become involved with a boyfriend or girlfriend from a different culture or religion.
  • Want to get out of an arranged marriage.
  • Wear clothes or take part in activities that might not be considered traditional within a particular culture.