This definition was developed by Le Bouclier d’Athéna , in collaboration with partners from various intervention fields.
Honor-based violence is not a new phenomenon; examples can be found in various civilizations and throughout different eras. It can occur within many communities, regardless of nationality, culture, or religion. While honor-based violence can be associated with violence against women, this type of violence differs from domestic or spousal violence due to specific characteristics such as motivation, the individuals targeted, the number of perpetrators, and the forms of violence used.
Honor-based violence encompasses all forms of psychological, physical, verbal, sexual, economic, and spiritual violence motivated by the desire to protect or restore the honor or reputation of an individual, family, or community. This violence is used to control a person’s social or sexual behavior to conform to the norms, values, and practices associated with the traditions or customs of a particular group. It can also be used as punishment or correction for behavior deemed or perceived as inappropriate. This type of violence can be perpetrated by one or more members of the same family, including the extended family, or by members of a community.
Honor-based violence can take many forms :
- Psychological and verbal violence : emotional blackmail, blame, intimidation, harassment, extreme surveillance, insults, denigration, excessive control, threats of all kinds, isolation (ostracism)
- Physical violence : assault, kidnapping, sexual assault
- Genital mutilation
- Deportation
- Homicide or attempted murder
- Forced marriage
This list is not exhaustive . While most of the forms of violence mentioned above are illegal, some are not. Therefore, it is essential to have a good understanding of both the issues and family dynamics in order to identify at-risk situations.
The majority of victims of honour-based violence are women and girls, however men and boys can also be victims.