In response to the rising complexities of abuse cases, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has unveiled updated guidance aimed at addressing “honour”-based abuse, which now includes the previously overlooked issues of spiritual and immigration-related exploitation. This new directive marks a significant step towards safeguarding vulnerable individuals and strengthening the legal framework against emerging harmful practices.
New Guidance Addresses Overlooked Forms of Abuse
The CPS’s revised guidance is designed to assist prosecutors in navigating the intricacies of abuse cases that fall under the umbrella of “honour”-based violence. This includes dowry abuse, immigration exploitation, and the troubling phenomenon of transnational marriage abandonment.
In many instances, abusers manipulate their victims by threatening to report them to immigration authorities or by withholding essential documents. Such tactics can create a prison-like environment where victims feel trapped and powerless. The guidance underscores the importance of recognising these patterns, enabling prosecutors to take decisive action against offenders.
Focus on Spiritual and Ritualistic Abuse
An alarming aspect of the updated guidance is its inclusion of spiritual or ritualistic abuse, which can manifest in horrifying ways, such as violent exorcisms or extreme psychological manipulation. The CPS indicates that these cases may involve abusive practices linked to beliefs in witchcraft or spirit possession, where victims can suffer severe physical and emotional harm.
The guidance encourages prosecutors to consider a range of abusive behaviours, including forced ingestion of harmful substances and scapegoating vulnerable individuals, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of such issues.
Commitment to Victim Support and Accountability
Selma Taha, executive director of Southall Black Sisters, emphasised the significance of acknowledging dowry-related abuse and immigration exploitation, which are prevalent in the experiences of Black, minoritised, and migrant women. Taha noted that the new guidance stems from consultations with specialist organisations, reinforcing the need for frontline expertise in shaping effective legal frameworks.
Prosecutors are advised to incorporate existing laws on domestic abuse and coercive control when dealing with cases of “honour”-based violence, despite the absence of a specific legal definition for the term. The government has announced intentions to legally define “honour”-based abuse, which may provide a more consistent approach to handling such cases.
Ellie Reeves, the Solicitor General, expressed her commitment to halving violence against women and girls, stating that the enhanced CPS guidance equips prosecutors with the necessary tools to identify patterns of abuse and build robust cases against perpetrators.
A Broader Strategy to Combat Violence
In November, the CPS launched a comprehensive five-year strategy focused on violence against women and girls (VAWG), aimed at training staff to recognise and respond to evolving forms of abuse. With data indicating that 93.5% of charges related to “honour” crimes are linked to domestic abuse, the CPS is taking a proactive stance to address these concerning trends.
The updated guidance is not merely about legal definitions; it is about creating a safer environment for those at risk and holding abusers accountable. Baljit Ubhey, the CPS Director of Policy, reiterated the seriousness of “honour”-based abuse, emphasising that such violence has no place in society.
Why it Matters
This new guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service reflects a crucial step towards addressing the multifaceted nature of abuse that often goes unrecognised. By incorporating spiritual and immigration-related abuses into the legal framework, the CPS is not only enhancing the tools available to prosecutors but also affirming its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society. As these updated guidelines take effect, there is hope for measurable improvements in safeguarding practices and a renewed focus on victim support, paving the way for a more just and equitable legal system.
