The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in the UK has introduced major updates to its guidance on ‘honour’-based abuse, marking the first time that spiritual abuse and immigration-related exploitation have been formally recognised within prosecution policy. The strengthened guidance, published on 26 February 2026, demonstrates an increasing awareness that traditional forms of honour-related harm are broader than previously understood. It also highlights the complexity of cases in which victims may be unable to safely support a prosecution due to family pressure, cultural expectations or fear of retaliation. 

The new guidance is centred on the recognition that harmful practices continue to evolve. Prosecutors are now instructed to consider patterns such as dowry-related abuse, transnational marriage abandonment and virginity-related practices, as well as offences that may already be familiar within domestic abuse frameworks. The inclusion of spiritual or ritualistic abuse marks a particularly significant development. These cases may involve allegations of witchcraft, spirit possession or demonic influence and can lead to severe physical and psychological harm. Reported incidents often include violent exorcisms, starvation, forced ingestion of harmful substances and the scapegoating of children or vulnerable adults for misfortune. In the most extreme cases, victims have suffered life-threatening injuries or homicide. Although no single offence captures this type of abuse, the CPS now makes it clear that it must be treated as a serious crime within the wider context of harmful practices. 

Furthermore, the guidance recognises immigration-related abuse as a growing method of coercive control. Perpetrators may exploit a victim’s immigration status to entrap them, threatening deportation, withholding documents, limiting access to services or reporting them to authorities. In some cases, victims are deliberately abandoned overseas with no means to return to the UK. While immigration abuse is not a standalone offence, prosecutors are encouraged to examine all relevant criminal offences, including coercive or controlling behaviour, when building these cases. This clarification is particularly important for organisations supporting migrant victims, who are often placed at heightened risk due to language barriers, lack of support networks and fear of statutory agencies. 

Senior safeguarding figures have welcomed the expanded guidance. Baljit Ubhey, Director of Policy at the CPS, emphasised that honour-based abuse “has no place in our society” and highlighted the immense pressure victims often face within their own families and communities. Southall Black Sisters described the explicit inclusion of dowry, spiritual and immigration-related abuse as “critical”, noting that these issues are regularly encountered in frontline work, but are often overlooked. While recognising these forms of harm is an important step, meaningful improvement will depend on consistent implementation and close partnership with specialist services. 

The new guidance also reinforces a victim-centred approach. Prosecutors are encouraged to consider early safeguarding measures such as Forced Marriage Protection Orders, to ensure interpreters are used appropriately and to rely on culturally informed expert evidence when needed. The CPS highlights that evidence-led prosecutions may be necessary where victims cannot safely participate and that agencies must work closely with specialist organisations to understand context and risk. This aligns with the CPS Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2025-2030, which commits to improving casework quality and strengthening victim confidence.

The inclusion of spiritual and immigration-related abuse represents a significant development in safeguarding policy. It acknowledges forms of harm that have often been hidden, misunderstood or missed entirely. We must now ensure that the guidance leads to improved responses and greater protection for those at risk. For professionals across safeguarding, legal practice and community services, this update reinforces the need for vigilance, cultural awareness and a nuanced understanding of the many ways coercion and control can operate.