So-called ‘honour-based’ abuse (including Female Genital Mutilation and Forced Marriage)

We recognise that so-called ‘honour-based’ abuse (HBA) encompasses incidents or crimes which have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and/or the community, including female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriage, and practices, such as breast ironing. Abuse committed in the context of preserving “honour” often involves a wider network of family or community pressure and can include multiple perpetrators. We are aware of this dynamic and will consider additional risk factors when deciding what form of safeguarding action to take. We see all forms of HBA as abuse (regardless of the motivation) and will handle and escalate as such. We will ensure our community are alert to the possibility of a child being at risk of HBA, or already having suffered HBA.

Actions

If staff have a concern regarding a child that might be at risk of HBA or who has suffered from HBA, they should speak to the DSL (or deputy). As appropriate, they will activate the local safeguarding procedures by contacting Family Connect/local social care team for the child and if necessary the police.