Research Framework: Honour-Based Violence (HBV) is a phenomenon that has been relatively recently recognized in various intervention settings in Quebec. It has been observed that although these forms of violence appear to occur primarily in families from immigrant backgrounds, it is rather the family system based on patriarchal norms and values that is at the root of such behaviours. This system can be the source of certain culturally sensitive areas that may escalate into zones of tension and conflict, particularly when adolescent girls attempt to integrate into Quebec’s host culture, which may be in opposition to the values of the culture of origin upheld within the family. Among these cultural conflicts, often intergenerational, between different family members, some result in violence, sometimes justified in the name of honour. In Quebec, the college-level education system welcomes students pursuing postsecondary studies. This environment naturally includes students from diverse ethnocultural backgrounds, many of whom come from family systems structured around patriarchal dynamics. However, to our knowledge, this setting has not been the subject of studies on HBV across the province.
Objectives: Given this context, we seek to understand the dynamics of immigrant families experiencing HBV, specifically from the perspective of psychosocial workers in Quebec’s college-level education environment, as well as other staff members who may work with college students affected by HBV.
Methodology: We have undertaken to survey psychosocial workers and staff members from various college-level educational institutions using group and individual interviews, to identify their knowledge of the HBV phenomenon, particularly regarding the family dynamics that may lead to it, and how their interventions take this into account.
Results: The family dynamics of families experiencing HBV are illustrated through culturally sensitive and tension-prone areas, as well as excessive control that may occur in response to dishonourable behaviour. The involvement of multiple individuals in committing such violence, the possibility of another family member protecting the victim, and the desire to leave the family dynamic all contribute to depicting the reality of families affected by HBV. Finally, the various implications for the family dynamics of immigrant families facing HBV highlight screening challenges that can lead to intervention difficulties.
Conclusions: The article highlights that HBV presents significant challenges in terms of detection and intervention. The study underscores the need to strengthen professionals’ intercultural competencies in order to avoid cultural biases, ensure victims’ safety, and adapt interventions to family and community realities.

• honour-based violence (HBV)
• immigrants families
• college-level education environment
• psychosocial workers
• culturally sensitive areas
• zones of tension
• excessive control
• intersectionnality

https://journals.openedition.org/efg/22632