CPS issues new guidance on ‘honour’-based and dowry abuse
The Guardian World
by Hannah Al-OthmanFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has released updated guidance aimed at addressing “honour”-based abuse, marking a significant expansion by including spiritual and immigration abuse for the first time. This move reflects growing concerns about evolving forms of abuse and emerging harmful practices that require legal attention. The revised guidelines are designed to help CPS lawyers better understand and tackle these complex issues, which often involve cultural and systemic factors.
The updated guidance acknowledges the increasing complexity of abuse cases, particularly those involving Honour-Based Violence (HBV) and dowry-related abuse. By incorporating spiritual and immigration abuse, the CPS aims to address forms of harm that may not have been clearly defined or prosecuted under previous frameworks. Spiritual abuse can include forced marriage, threats based on religious beliefs, or pressure to conform to cultural norms, while immigration abuse involves tactics like withdrawing financial support or threatening deportation to control or punish victims.
This update is significant for several reasons. It underscores the CPS’s commitment to addressing harmful practices that are often deeply rooted in cultural and social contexts. By expanding its scope, the guidance provides a more comprehensive approach to protecting victims of Honour-Based Abuse (HBA), who may face unique challenges in accessing support due to stigma or fear of reprisal. The inclusion of spiritual and immigration abuse also highlights the interconnected nature of these issues, emphasizing how abusers may use multiple tactics to exert control over their victims.
For legal professionals, this revised guidance offers a valuable resource for prosecuting cases that were previously difficult to address under existing laws. It also sends a strong message to perpetrators that such harmful practices will not be tolerated. By raising awareness and providing clear definitions, the CPS is taking a proactive step toward ensuring justice for victims of Honour-Based Abuse and related forms of abuse.
Ultimately, this update reflects broader global efforts to combat Honour-Based Violence and other emerging forms of abuse. As societies become more diverse, understanding these complex dynamics becomes increasingly crucial for legal systems
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/26/2026