Data published by the Home Office today has revealed that 3,145 ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) related offences were recorded by police in England and Wales, the highest number recorded since 2021* and a seven per cent increase on 2025 figures.

According to the statistics, of all HBA-related offences, 166 were female genital mutilation (FGM) up from 109 last year (an increase of 52%) and 129 were forced marriage, up from 125 last year (a 3% increase).

This year’s data also revealed that controlling and coercive behaviour was once again the most common form of HBA-related offence, accounting for 22% of offences recorded, which supports earlier baseline research from Savera UK and the University of Liverpool identifying controlling and coercive behaviour as one of the core characteristics of HBA.

In Merseyside, where Savera UK operates its Direct Intervention service, there were 41 HBA-related offences recorded (up from 32 to end March 2025), and 274 HBA-related incidents recorded (up from 257 to end March 2025). HBA incidents are those that have not resulted in the recording of a notifiable crime, for example where a third party reports suspected HBA, but upon investigation the police could not substantiate the report.

The number of HBA-related offences recorded by police in England and Wales has fluctuated between 2,755 and 3,145 over the last six years, with trends affected by challenges in data collection, changes in crime recording practices, identification of what constitutes HBA and the willingness of survivors and those at risk to report to police.

Savera UK CEO and Founder, Afrah Qassim, said: “The data published today, showing a seven per cent increase in HBA-related offences recorded by police is likely indicative of better identification, improved public awareness and an increased willingness and confidence from survivors to report their abuse.

“However, today’s figures also only show those offences and incidents reported to police, and only to forces in England and Wales. They do not include data on referrals made into specialist services like Savera UK, so are not a true indicator of the scale of the issue.

“To the year ending March 2026 in Merseyside, only 41 HBA-related offences and 274 HBA-related incidents were reported. In the same period, Savera UK, which is just one service in the sector addressing these issues, directly helped 320 clients, had 355 new referrals and received 631 calls to its helpline/referrals via its online channels. Consider this difference multiplied over the other services around the UK who are helping people affected by HBA and harmful practices, and the disparity becomes clear. 

“In April 2026, a new statutory definition for HBA was passed into law, following a campaign supported by Savera UK and its sector partners. It will be interesting to see the impact of this clearer definition on data recorded by police in the coming year. However, challenges still remain regarding data collection regarding HBA and harmful practices.

“To gain a true picture of the scale of the issue, more accurate data collection and more consistent reporting is required. The new statutory definition needs to be supported by a collaborative and centralised process for collecting not just police data, but also data compiled by specialist services working on the frontline.

“There also needs to be clearer recognition and better awareness of a broader range of harmful practices that interplay with HBA, not just FGM and forced marriage. For example we have seen a significant increase in referrals relating to sexuality and gender, trafficking, HBA and modern slavery and spiritual abuse. However, these issues are not always widely recognised as related to HBA. 

“Such improvements to data recording, reporting and guidance would have a transformational effect on understanding of HBA and harmful practices and on the lives of survivors and those at risk.”

*The highest number recorded since YE March 2021, the earliest year for which comparable data is available.