Honour-based violence (HBV) is increasingly recognised as an urgent social justice and human rights issue that is pervasive across geographical and socioeconomic boundaries. There is a growing body of research that demonstrates the traumatic impact of honour-based violence on the victim’s mental and physical health. Honour-based violence (HBV) is a deeply rooted cultural practice that often involves acts of violence committed against individuals, primarily women and girls, to uphold or restore a family's or community's perceived honour. This harmful practice can take many forms, including forced marriage, female genital mutilation, and even murder.

Cultural Context

The traumatic impact of HBV differs from many other trauma types in that the assaults carried out are perpetrated to protect or defend the honour of an individual, family, and/or community from a perceived violation of the accepted code of behaviour, a notion considerably interlinked with patriarchal norms and gender expectations.

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Honour-based abuse is not recognised as a crime in its own right, and legally it falls under various offences and legislation, including (attempted) murder or manslaughter, battery, rape, sexual or physical assault, actual or grievous bodily harm, threats to kill, malicious communication, blackmail, coercive control, forced marriage, false imprisonment, kidnapping, abduction, stalking and harassment, child abuse or neglect, acid attacks, fraud, trafficking, modern slavery, conspiracy to commit offences, procuring abortions, and so forth. In practice, this means that many recorded incidents may not be recognised or dealt with as honour-based abuse, making the identification of its prevalence and characteristics even more difficult.

The Psychological Impact of HBV

The victims of HBV often experience a barrage of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. The constant fear and stress create pressure and anxiety on the patient’s wellbeing while generally causing deterioration in their psychological health. Hopelessness is a known symptom in the victims of HBV, along with depression and anxiety. This is because the victims feel that they cannot escape and that there is no hope for them. It also results in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a state that is marked by flashbacks, nightmares, and profound anxiety.

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HBV can also have an impact on a person’s self-esteem and self-confidence, diminishing their value. Being constantly criticised and degraded can make them feel unworthy or lead to feelings of shame. This can make it difficult for them to develop healthy interpersonal relationships or even build trusting relationships with their peers.

The pressure from family members might induce feelings of guilt and shame in the victims about their chosen lifestyle or their “inability to maintain the family’s honour,” and the worry about being judged by their family and society. Attempts to be accepted by their family and community lead to internal conflicts, which the victims may struggle to deal with over a long time silently. Victims can feel trapped in physical and emotional abuse, which makes them highly susceptible to mental health problems. This usually results in self-harm and/or suicide attempts.

Barriers to Seeking Help

Studies also reveal that many victims are either not aware of mental health services available to them or are prevented from accessing these services by their offenders. Some of the victims cannot attend the services, especially if they are accompanied everywhere by their family members. For other victims, although they are aware of the available service, they fear that if they seek help, they will expose their lifestyle, which they have been trained to consider 'shameful’.

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All of these factors often lead to PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders. The constant threat of violence can create a pervasive sense of fear and uncertainty, making it difficult to relax or enjoy life. The mental health impact of HBV is worsened by stigmatisation and discrimination. Some of the reasons why victims of abuse may not seek help include fear for their lives, feeling embarrassed, or assuming that their plights will not be heeded. This can make it difficult for them to get better and can lead to further mental health-related issues.

Intergenerational Trauma

Furthermore, the mental health problems associated with HBV experiences can be passed down to the next generations, and children become heirs of these traumas. Children who are exposed to or affected by HBV are at a higher risk of being affected mentally, as they may develop depression, anxiety, and PTSD, among other related mental issues.

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Addressing Mental Health Impact of HBV

Addressing the mental health impact of HBV requires a multifaceted approach. Cultural sensitivity is very important because mental health professionals need to realise the specific conditions that victims of such kinds of violence and abuse go through. Support systems play an important role in the recovery and protection of victims. Shelter, counselling, and legal advice must be made accessible to them so that they can start afresh.

If you or someone you know is affected by honour-based violence, it's important to seek help from professionals who understand the cultural context and can provide appropriate support.

Remember, you are not alone. There is hope for healing and recovery. Breaking free from the chains of HBV is possible with the right support and resources.

Seeking help for the trauma of HBV can be difficult. Our team at Heart It Out