Honour Based Violence

Honour Based Violence (HBV) includes Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Forced Marriage (FM). 

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a criminal offence in the UK.  It is a form of child abuse and violence against women and girls. The practice is extremely painful and has serious health consequences, both at the time the mutilation is carried out, and later in life.

The FGM Act (2003) came into force in 2004 which makes it illegal to:

  • Practice FGM in the UK
  • Take girls who are British nationals or permanent residents of the UK abroad for FGM whether or not it is lawful in that country
  • aid and abet, counsel or procure the carrying out of FGM

A Forced Marriage (FM) is where one of both people do not consent to the marriage and pressure or abuse is used.  It is recognised in the UK as a form of violence against women and men, domestic/child abuse and a serious abuse of human rights.  It is illegal.

Further advice and support including legislation and guidance regarding all forms of Honour Based Violence is available on the GSCP website.

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