Honour based violence
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Introduction
The United Nations Population Fund has estimated that around
5,000 women die in honour killings every year
worldwide. 10 – 12 women are killed in
honour-based violence every year in the UK, however the exact
number is unclear as there is no universal definition of what
constitutes an honour killing.
Honour based violence cuts across all cultures and communities
for example: Turkish, Afghani, South Asian, Middle Eastern,
Kurdish, African, South and Eastern European. This is by no means a
complete list.
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What is an honour
killing?
Murders in the name of so-called honour, known to many as
“honour killings”, are murders of mainly women who are killed for
actual or perceived immoral behaviour, which is deemed to have
breached the honour code of the family and or community, causing
shame. There is of course no “honour” in the
abuse of individuals or the exertion of power and control by some
over others. The Association of Chief Police
Officers (ACPO) define it as: “Honour based violence is a crime or
incident, which has or may have been committed to protect or defend
the honour of the family and/or community.”
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Examples of
behaviour that could lead to murder:
- Becoming “western” (clothes, behaviour, attitude)
- Defying parental authority
- The existence of a boyfriend/girlfriend
- Rejecting a forced marriage
- Inter-faith relationships
- Women having sex/relationships before marriage
- Wanting to leave a spouse
- Leaving a spouse
- Seeking a divorce
- Intimacy in a public place
- Gossip
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Consequences
The consequences of a family member losing their honour does not
just affect them.
The whole family can be ostracised by the community. Fellow
members of their culture, ethnic or religious groups can also
reject children at school.
Families whose honour is damaged may receive smaller dowries for
their children. In extreme cases their shops and businesses can
also be boycotted or even physically attacked by community members
who believe that their collective honour has also been damaged.
Community leaders and politicians from honour-based communities
whose honour is damaged can lose votes, prestige and influence as a
result.
Members of families whose honour is damaged can become
depressed, suicidal or abusive. Feelings of shame can hamper
their interactions with other family members of their community and
can negatively affect their work, possibly causing further damage
to their social standing as a result.
"To avoid the serious consequences that can result from losing
one’s honour, individuals, families and communities may take
drastic steps to preserve, protect or avenge their honour." (Crimes
of the Community Honour Based Violence in the UK, by James Brandon
and Salam Hafez).
The majority of killings are carried out either by close family
members or husbands; women have also taken part in honour killings
in order to defend the family honour and to preserve their culture
against outside influence. Many are pre-planned and the nature
of these attacks helps to distinguish such murders from more
spontaneous “crimes of passion” which are common in many
communities. In some cases people have been paid to carry out
the murder.
"In many instances, the Police and local authorities can wrongly
categorise such attacks as being racially – or religiously –
motivated. Such errors can lead to the prevalence of
honour-based violence being underestimated." (Crimes of the
Community Honour Based Violence in the UK” by James Brandon and
Salam Hafez)
Many women are taken “home” to be murdered; the families appear
to hope that the Police there will not investigate the case
properly. These killings further show that many honour
killings are pre-meditated and planned in advance.
Men can also be victims of honour based killings, however it is
rare. A quote from a man interviewed for 'Crimes of the
Community Honour Based Violence in the UK' (by James Brandon and
Salam Hafez) says “My mother told me that once you’re married you
can do what ever you want. It’s the girl who carries the honour;
the pride.”
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Incidents that may
proceed a murder
- Forced marriage
- Domestic violence
- Attempts to separate or divorce
- Starting a new relationship
- Pregnancy
- Threats to kill
- Issues of access to children
- Pressure to go abroad
- House arrest and excessive restrictions
- Issues with access to telephone, internet, passport, family and
friends
There is help available from the police, agencies and the voluntary
sector. The new civil law dealing with forced marriages, 'The
Forced Marriages Civil Protection Act 2007', enables a victim or
relevant third party to make an application for a Forced Marriage
Protection Order, ensuring that it does not go ahead. Telephone:
0800 5999 365 (24 hour help line)
Forced Marriage Unit
Within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is the Forced
Marriage Unit (FMU). The FMU is dedicated to preventing British
nationals being forced into marriage overseas. If you are worried
that you might be forced into a marriage or are worried about
someone else who may you should contact the Forced Marriage Unit on
Tel: 020 7008 0151 (or 0044 02 7008 0151 if you are overseas).
What does the Forced Marriage Unit do?
Abroad, they work with embassy staff to rescue victims who may
have been held captive, raped or forced into having an
abortion.
In the UK the Forced Marriage Unit assists professionals working
in the social, educational and health sectors.
Who do they help?
If you are worried you might be forced into marriage or are
worried about a friend or relative call us on 0207 008 0151.
Trained professionals offer confidential advice and assistance
to those who:
- Have been forced into marriage overseas
- Are at risk of being forced into marriage
- Or people worried about friends or relatives
You can visit the Forced Marriage Unit website for more
information.
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