New guidance launched to address ‘critical gaps’ in police response to honour-based abuse

It says this will address “critical gaps in cultural awareness and investigative consistency”.

college says these resources mark a “significant step forward” in safeguarding victims and improving investigative practice across England and Wales.

It added: “Honour-based abuse can be extremely complex and difficult to identify. It is often hidden, culturally embedded, and can involve multiple perpetrators. Equally, victims may often be reluctant to report abuse due to fear of shame, retaliation, or lack of trust in authorities.”

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) defines HBA as an incident or crime involving violence, threats of violence, intimidation, coercion or abuse which has been committed to protect or defend the ‘honour’ of an individual, family or community from alleged or perceived breaches of the family or community’s code of behaviour.

Offences associated with honour-based abuse include forced marriage, female genital mutilation, and coercive and controlling behaviour.

Official statistics show that in the year ending March 2024, there were 2,755 HBA-related offences recorded by the police in England and Wales, and real figures may be higher due to fears of reporting such offences.

The College of Policing says the new guidance “addresses critical gaps in cultural awareness and investigative consistency that have previously put victims at greater risk”.

It will help first responders and investigators to recognise the unique risk factors that define HBA, allowing them to conduct more effective investigations while providing consistent, high-quality support to victims.

The guidance will equip frontline officers and staff with practical tools to identify and respond to HBA at the earliest opportunity, alongside advice for investigators which offers guidance on arrest strategies, risk management, safeguarding, and partnership working.

The new advice will help officers and investigators to:

• Recognise HBA risk factors across diverse communities;
• Improve victim support and communication;
• Strengthen evidence gathering while prioritising safety; and
• Apply consistent standards across forces.

The guidance has been developed in response to concerns about the quality of investigations into honour-based abuse, including the Tees Valley Inclusion Project Super Complaint, as well as subsequent reviews by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and the College of Policing.

The advice notes were developed following extensive stakeholder engagement including NPCC working groups, HBA enforcement groups, and subject matter experts.

Chief Superintendent Jamie Daniels, Crime and Criminal Justice Delivery lead at the College of Policing, said: “Honour-based abuse is used to control and punish victims for their choices, to restrain and restrict them from living their lives and to exercise power and control over them. It has absolutely no place in our society, and we are committed to helping police to identify and tackle these abhorrent crimes.

“These new resources are a direct response to the concerns raised by victims, charities, and policing professionals, and will help police forces to respond quickly, effectively, and compassionately.

“Honour-based abuse is a deeply complex issue, and our guidance ensures that officers are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to respond in the right way.

“By improving awareness and investigative practice, we can better protect victims and prevent further harm.”