Honour-Based Abuse & Forced Marriage

Expert Witness Reports

Our experts prepare CPR Part 35 compliant reports in cases involving honour based violence and forced marriage. Reports may support civil claims, family proceedings, forced marriage protection order applications, asylum and immigration matters, redress schemes and inquests, addressing risk, coercion, vulnerability, cultural context and long-term impact.

01

What our honour-based abuse reports cover

Honour-Based Abuse & Forced Marriage Expert Witness Reports UK address the psychological, safeguarding and contextual evidence arising from honour based violence, coercion and forced marriage. Our experts assist solicitors, claimants and defendants in civil claims, family proceedings, forced marriage protection order applications, asylum and immigration matters, redress schemes and inquests where independent opinion is required on risk, vulnerability, harm and future needs.

Typical instructions include:

  • Psychological harm linked to honour based violence and coercion
  • Family proceedings involving risk, control and protective measures
  • Forced marriage protection order applications and safeguarding concerns
  • Asylum claims involving risk on return and vulnerability
  • Immigration cases requiring expert cultural and behavioural context
  • Civil claims involving abuse within family or community structures
  • Redress schemes concerning abuse and exploitation histories
  • Inquest evidence addressing vulnerability and systemic response

Reports may consider forced marriage uk law where relevant to the issues in dispute. Our experts do not determine legal outcomes. They provide independent opinion on clinical presentation, safeguarding risk and the effects of coercion, in accordance with CPR Part 35 duties.

02

Experts we instruct for honour-based abuse

We work with experts in psychiatry, psychology, safeguarding, cultural context and social work. Where multiple issues arise, instructions can be coordinated so each discipline provides clear and proportionate evidence.

Consultant Psychiatrist
  • Trauma-related disorders
  • Diagnosis and prognosis
  • Medication needs
  • Complex histories
Clinical Psychologist
  • PTSD and anxiety
  • Coercion impact
  • Coping and adjustment
  • Therapy recommendations
Forensic Psychologist
  • Risk formulation
  • Behavioural patterns
  • Vulnerability assessment
  • Honour based abuse expert witness
Cultural Context Expert
  • Community dynamics
  • Cultural practices
  • Risk on return
  • Family structures
Independent Social Worker
  • Safeguarding concerns
  • Support needs
  • Family assessment
  • Care planning
Safeguarding Expert
  • Protective measures
  • Risk management
  • Multi-agency response
  • Policy compliance
03

The reports we prepare for honour-based abuse cases

01

Psychiatric Reports

Psychiatric reports address diagnosis, causation, prognosis and treatment needs in cases involving honour based violence or forced marriage. They are prepared in accordance with CPR Part 35 requirements.


  • Diagnosis and causation
  • Prognosis evaluation
  • Treatment needs
  • Functional impact
02

Psychological Reports

Psychological reports assess trauma, anxiety, coercion and behavioural impact. They provide structured, independent opinion on functioning, coping and therapy needs.


  • Trauma symptoms
  • Behavioural impact
  • Therapy guidance
  • Daily functioning
03

Risk Assessment Reports

Risk assessment reports consider ongoing risk from family or community, including escalation factors and protective measures. They are often used in forced marriage expert witness instructions and family proceedings.


  • Risk factors
  • Protective measures
  • Escalation risks
  • Safety planning
04

Cultural Context Reports

Cultural context reports provide background on community dynamics, practices and risks relevant to honour based abuse cases. They may assist in asylum and immigration matters where context is required.


  • Community context
  • Cultural practices
  • Risk on return
  • Support systems
04

Cases and proceedings we report for

Family court proceedings
Forced marriage protection order
Asylum proceedings
Immigration appeals
Civil damages claims
Redress scheme claims
Human Rights Act claims
Inquest proceedings
Honour based violence cases
Forced marriage expert witness
05

FAQs

Can experts assess risk in honour-based abuse cases?
Yes. Experts can assess risk factors, vulnerability and potential escalation based on available evidence. They provide opinion on safeguarding concerns and protective measures, without determining legal outcomes.
Do experts decide whether a forced marriage has occurred? +
No. The court determines findings of fact. Experts provide clinical, behavioural or contextual opinion to assist the court, but they do not decide whether a forced marriage took place.
Can reports support forced marriage protection order applications? +
Yes. Reports can assist by addressing risk, vulnerability and the need for protective measures. They provide independent evidence to support the court’s consideration of safeguarding arrangements.
Are reports suitable for asylum or immigration cases? +
Yes. Experts may provide opinion on trauma, vulnerability and risk on return. Cultural context reports can also assist decision-makers in understanding the background and risks relevant to the individual.
What records are useful in honour-based abuse cases? +
Relevant records may include medical notes, police material, family court documents, safeguarding records and witness statements. A clear chronology is often important for expert analysis.
Can experts comment on cultural context? +
Yes. Cultural context experts can provide background on practices, community dynamics and risk factors. Their role is to inform the court, not to generalise or determine outcomes.
Are reports prepared for both claimants and defendants? +
Both. Reports may be prepared for claimant or defendant solicitors, or as single joint expert evidence. The expert’s duty remains to the court.
Can one expert cover all aspects of these cases? +
Sometimes. One expert may address issues within their discipline, but complex cases often require input from multiple experts to ensure complete and balanced evidence.

Need an expert for your
honour-based abuse case?

Send the letter of instruction, relevant records, chronology and any deadlines. We will review the issues and identify suitable expert disciplines for a CPR Part 35 compliant report.