Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Rejected
Paragraph: 83
Introduce a distinct honour-based abuse strategy specifically aimed at male victims
Recommendation
We recognise the overwhelming majority of victims of honour-based abuse are female, but this must not detract from the experiences of male victims. We are concerned the inclusion of men and boys in strategies primarily aimed at women and girls fails to empower male victims and can contribute to underreporting. The Government should consider introducing a distinct honour-based abuse strategy aimed at male victims, parallel to that aimed at women and girls. Such a strategy might empower male victims to report the crimes committed against them and to seek support.
Government Response Summary
The government rejects introducing a distinct strategy for male victims of honour-based abuse, stating that existing strategies and the 'Supporting Male Victims' document already cover male victims and address their specific challenges.
Paragraph Reference:
83
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
We recognise that men can also be victims of these crimes and are committed to ensuring that all victims and survivors of HBA receive the support they deserve. Both the cross-Government Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy9 published in July 2021, and the Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan10 published in March 2022 are clear that the commitments they include apply equally to all victims and survivors of these crimes, including male victims. The Government recognises that male victims of these crimes may face specific challenges. That is why in March 2022, we published the Supporting Male Victims11 document which includes a number of additional commitments to address some of the specific challenges encountered by men and boys in relation to these crimes, including HBA. It also emphasises importance of specialist services, information on the myths and stereotypes that can act as a barrier to reporting for male victims and case studies to provide examples of best practice. The Government therefore does not consider an additional Strategy for male victims is necessary.