Young people living with disabilities who are exposed to honour-based violence

Honour-based violence and oppression are unfortunately constantly present in society but, instead of feeling helpless, we can collectively strengthen our efforts and actively work to detect, act upon, and prevent violence. Eskilstuna municipality wanted to do just that and contacted Amphi wanting to develop a training process focused on creating a common knowledge base regarding children and young people with disabilities who are subjected to honour-based violence and oppression. A central objective was to equip participants with tools to detect signs of honour-based violence and oppression early and know how to act.

We designed and tailored the training process in three steps, over four separate occasions, with different working groups. Our focus was to illuminate how power and norms are linked to vulnerability to violence, as well as the distinctive features of honour-based violence and oppression compared to domestic violence.

We designed the training around experiental learning, grounded in research on honour-based violence and oppression. Each training session began by ensuring the psychological safety of the participants and ourselves. This is a crucial part of the learning process because honour-based violence and oppression is an emotionally challenging subject. When Amphi educates on these issues, we always ensure to create a safe space where everyone’s experiences and reactions are welcomed.

• HBV – Signs and signals
• Power and norms
• Respectful treatment
• Minority stress
• Practical tools

Various disabilities

The three training days covered different themes: Basic knowledge about honour-based violence, Noticing HBV, and Approach and questions. Special focus was placed on examining the specific challenges that young people with disabilities face in their lives. We also discussed how potential minority stress adds to the complex situation for this target group.

After completing the training, participants had gained useful tools that could be immediately applied in their daily work, tools that facilitate professionals in addressing and communicating with young people about HBV.