Ethnic minority communities

How abuse may show up

People from ethnic minority communities can experience all forms of domestic and sexual abuse. This may include:

• Control linked to immigration status (e.g. threats of deportation or withdrawal of support)
• Language barriers being used to isolate or control someone
• Financial control, including restricting access to money or employment
• Pressure from family or community to stay in a relationship
• Isolation from support networks or community spaces
• Fear of authorities or services being used as a form of control

Specific forms of abuse

Some individuals may also experience forms of abuse linked to cultural or family expectations. These can include:

So-called “Honour-based” abuse and violence

This refers to abuse carried out to “protect” or defend the perceived honour of a family or community (sometimes referred to as izzat, ghairat, namus or sharam).

It is often used to control behaviour and may involve coercion, threats, or violence from partners or family members. In some cases, people may be threatened with being taken abroad, abandoned, or seriously harmed if they are seen to have brought “shame” on the family.

^{[Source: The Elm Foundation: ‘BAME’.]}

2,024 cases of Honour-based Violence (HBV) were reported in England and Wales in 2019-2020, according to official Home Office statistics, though the true number is likely higher due to underreporting. Around 80% of victims are women, but a significant number of men are suffering in silence.

^{[Source: Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse: Male victims of ‘honour’-based abuse]}

Forced marriage

Forced marriage is when someone is pressured, threatened, or coerced into marriage without their full and free consent, usually by their family.

This may involve emotional pressure, threats, physical abuse, or being taken abroad. Some victims are forced into marriage because they cannot consent due to a physical or learning disability and duress is used.  

Forced marriage is illegal in the UK.

^{[Source: The Elm Foundation: ‘BAME’.]}

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

FGM involves the partial or total removal of female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is a criminal offence in the UK.

It is often carried out on girls and can cause severe pain, long-term health complications, and emotional trauma.

^{[Source: The Elm Foundation: ‘BAME’.]}

Barriers to getting help

People from ethnic minority communities may face additional challenges when seeking support. Research shows that people from minority groups can experience both individual and structural barriers, which can make it harder to seek help or disclose abuse.

These may include:

• Language barriers or lack of access to interpretation services
• Concerns about immigration status or limited access to public funds
• Fear of not being believed or experiencing discrimination
• Cultural stigma, shame, or pressure to keep abuse within the family
• Fear of consequences, including impact on family or community relationships
• Lack of awareness of available support services
• Limited access to culturally appropriate or specialist services
• Services not always meeting specific needs, including safe or inclusive refuge spaces

Some people may also:

• Feel embarrassed or fearful about speaking out
• Worry about being judged or not taken seriously
• Have difficulty accessing support that reflects their cultural or lived experience

Because of these barriers, people from ethnic minority communities may face additional challenges in accessing safe, appropriate support.

Source:

Bournemouth University, ‘Minority groups face additional barriers in accessing domestic abuse services, research finds’, 2024.]