24th April 2025
We have launched the first-ever FREE Honour-Based Abuse (HBA) Identification Tool, a vital new resource designed to support frontline professionals in recognising and responding to cases of Honour-Based Abuse (HBA).
Karma Nirvana has developed this Identification Tool, along with accompanying guidance, to support frontline professionals. The tool helps identify potential indicators of Honour Based Abuse (HBA) and determine what support might be required. The guided questions are based on common HBA indicators and generates a score indicating the presence of HBA-related factors.
The FREE tool is available online and incorporates decades of experience from our helpline, including from our Survivor Ambassador Panel, which can support professionals to ask questions aimed at identifying HBA in cases.
The HBA Identification Tool was launched at our online event on the 24th April, which brought together safeguarding professionals, social workers, police, health, educators, and sector partners to explore the importance of early identification, practical applications of the tool, and how this new resource can enhance safeguarding responses.
About the Tool
Karma Nirvana has developed this Honour Based Abuse (HBA) Identification Tool to support frontline professionals in identifying potential cases of HBA. It helps professionals to recognise the commonly recognised indicators of HBA and decide what support might be suitable for the individual. This tool is designed to guide practitioners and offer support in managing cases of suspected HBA.
What this tool can do:
- Help professionals identify potential indicators of Honour-Based Abuse
- Guide practitioners on how to ask questions sensitively and effectively
- Support decision-making around whether to seek further specialist input
What this tool can’t do:
- Assess risk – This tool identifies indicators only. It is not a risk assessment
- Confirm HBA – It does not offer a definitive conclusion
- Replace professional judgment – Practitioners must apply their own safeguarding knowledge
- Act as a referral – This tool does not notify Karma Nirvana or submit a case for support
How to use the tool
The tool is available online, and we have also created guidance on how to use this tool. Before using the tool, please review this guidance in full to familiarise yourself with HBA indicators and ensure you are fully prepared to engage with the individual appropriately and safely.