RECOGNIZE

Honor Violence

KNOW

Your Rights

EMPOWER

Yourself

Resources and practicalguidance for individuals
at risk of honor violence
www.TheAHAFoundation.org

HonorViolence
can happen to anyone regardlessof their ethnicity, religion, level ofeducation, or whether they were born inor outside of the US. If you or someone
you know is experiencing honor violence,
help is available. This pamphlet identifies
resources and provides practical guidancefor people at risk from honor violence
so they can reach out for help or learn
more about this form of abuse that isso often misunderstood orunrecognized.

2

www.TheAHAFoundation.org

What is honor violence? Whatare examples of this abuse?
Honor violence is committed to protect, defend, or regain perceived family or community “honor.”
Honor violence is often linked to the belief that someone has brought shame to their family or community by doing something that supposedly counters the traditions or beliefs of their culture or religion. Women and girls may be seen as endangering the honor of their family or community throughexpressions of independence, especially if this independence is related to their sexuality. Men andboys may be subjected to honor violence too; for example, they may be targeted by the family of awoman who believe the family has been ‘dishonored’ by their marriage, in which case both may be atrisk, or if a man or boy are believed to be homosexual or transgender.
Honor violence can take many forms such as verbal abuse, physical assault, attempted murder, rape,torture, kidnapping, forced marriage, shunning/ostracism, harassment, and even murder. In somecases, those experiencing honor violence are driven to or even encouraged by their families to commit suicide.
Acknowledging the signs of honor violence is the first step to protecting yourself. No one should
live in fear of his or her family or community. If you recognize yourself or someone you know in thedescriptions of honor violence below, please reach out. Help is available.

What drives honor violence?
There are many reasons honor violence may be committed but some examples include:
Becoming involved with a boyfriend or girlfriend from a different culture or religion;
Being perceived as promiscuous or involved in a relationship of an intimate or sexual nature
outside of marriage;
Refusing to get married or expressing the desire to get out of a marriage;
Taking part in activities such as wearing clothing or makeup that a family or community may viewas “immodest,” or “too Western” or socializing with members of the opposite gender.

No one should be subjected to violence andabuse because of the choices they make.

www.TheAHAFoundation.org

3What is a forced marriage and how isit related to honor violence?
A forced marriage is one that is carried out without the consent of both people. Often forced marriages are considered a way to“control” a person’s behavior or sexuality, a key driver in honor violence.

There is no religion, culture or tradition that canjustify forcing you into a marriage you don’twant. You are not betraying your faith, culture
or tradition by refusing such a marriage.

44

www.TheAHAFoundation.org

FINDING

Help

If you or someone you know are facing honor violence or aforced marriage and need assistance please contact:
In the US: text the word “FREE” to 741-741 to speak anonymously to a compassionate, non-judgmental Crisis Counselor
for free 24/7. Texts are private and secure.
In the UK: call Karma Nirvana 0800 5999247 or the Forced Marriage Unit 020 7008 0151 (from overseas +44 (0)20 7008 0151)

Have you experienced
honor violence and are notsure how to protect yourself?
The most important thing is that you speak to someone. Even if you have to reach out to morethan one person, don’t stop until you find someone who can help you. Here are options to consider
when deciding whom to reach out to for help:
You may find it difficult or even dangerous to talk to someone in your own family because you
don’t know whose side they’re on. If so, find another adult you trust from outside the family. If you arein school, you could speak to a teacher, school counselor or other staff member.
A local domestic violence organization might also be a good option for you to find someone you
can talk to for help. Visit www.theahafoundation.org/get-help/ to find a domestic violence organization near you or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) to speak to someone at the National Domestic Violence
Hotline. Another good option is to look for resources on the National Coalition to End Domestic
Violence website at www.ncadv.org.

When you reach out to organizations and professionals for assistance,
consider asking them if they are required by law to report to the authorities
what you tell them, so you know before you say anything what will
happen with any information you share.

Legal and Undocumented
Immigrants
Lack of citizenship should not prohibit anyone from seeking help if they are the victim of abuse.
US law provides several options for obtaining residency to victims of domestic violence and othercrimes. Ask a domestic violence professional about whether or not your situation makes you eligible
for these protections.
source: uscis.gov
www.TheAHAFoundation.org

5

Reporting to the Authorities
You can contact the resources below when you’re ready to report to the authorities that you are at
risk from honor violence or that you have been abused. It’s important you come forward even if you
worry that whoever is responsible will get into trouble. It’s better to tell someone rather than for you
to be unsafe, hurt or live in fear of violence.
You can contact your local police.
If you think you are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services and flee at once
to a safe location if you are able.
If you are worried for your safety, after the police have arrived, don’t let them leave you alone withanyone who you are concerned may hurt you. You are allowed to ask to speak to the police without
your family present. If you are hurt, ask for medical help. If you fear for your physical safety, you canrequest that you be removed from your home even if you are a minor (under 18).

You could ask someone to speak
to the authorities on your behalf,like a friend or relative, a trusted
community leader or an attorney.

Taken Overseas for Forced
Marriage
If you think you are being taken out of the country for a forced marriage, consider doing the following:
If at all possible, try to avoid leaving the US. It is much harder and sometimes impossible to findhelp once taken outside of the country.
Find emergency safe housing (shelter or foster care).
Contact local law enforcement to explore protective options.
Contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services of the Department of State (888-407-4747) andalert them to your situation. The Department of State may be able to help if you are taken abroad.
Consider how to achieve safety if you are being taken abroad:
Think of ways to alert TSA officers to your situation if you are taken to an airport, such as hiding a		 spoon or other metal object in your clothing to set off metal detectors and obtain a private		 screening where you can explain your situation and ask for help.
Memorize contact information for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you may		 be taken.

6

www.TheAHAFoundation.org

ARE YOU INTERESTED

in learning more abouthonor violence and what
you can do to prevent it?

Become knowledgeable about honor violence and get involved by reading the resources available at
theAHAfoundation.org.
Books written by survivors and advocates of forced marriage, female genital mutilation and otherforms of honor violence are also an effective way of learning about harmful traditional practices. We
recommend:

Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Cut: One Woman’s Fight Against FGM by Hibo Wardere
A Father’s Betrayal by Gabriella Gillespie
The Seven Perfumes of Sacrifice by Amy Logan

Support the work of organizations likethe AHA Foundation to protect girls at risk fromhonor violence and help end harmful traditional practices.
Visit theAHAfoundation.org to make a donation.

www.TheAHAFoundation.org