Honour Crimes
What are Honour Crimes?
Honour crimes are acts of violence and abuse committed by members of the community, often family members, against someone who is perceived to have brought dishonour shame on relatives by behaving in ways that are believed to be outside of the cultural rules and code. It is a problem that continues to this day predominantly in south Asian and Middle Eastern and African communities, although it also does occur in other cultures.
In most, but not all cases, the victim is female. The majority of victims are women in communities or families dominated by men, although women - sisters and mothers - also often play a part in some of the crimes that are committed.
For women the reason for the ‘dishonour’ can be wearing make up, having a boyfriend, wanting to study or work, wearing Westernised clothes, talking to a man who is not a member of her family, refusing a forced marriage marrying outside of the community, wanting a divorce from an abusive husband, being raped etc. Dishonour for both men and women can also include the fact they define their sexuality as gay or lesbian.
Sometimes honour crimes result in the death of a victim within a family or community, against someone who is perceived to have brought "shame" upon their relatives. In the UK, murders have sometimes taken place after a family has reacted violently to their son or daughter taking on the trappings of western culture. Killings are often disguised as suicide, fire or an accident. In some cases women have been forced or coerced to commit suicide so that the perpetrators can avoid any sanctions that would be imposed if they were murdered.
Honour crimes are never culturally, morally, or legally acceptable
Myths about honour crimes
‘Some religions sanction honour crimes and killings’
There is no major world religion that actually officially sanctions honour crimes or killings, but members of the community and families will interpret and misinterpret religion and use it to control women and children. Therefore, many people who commit honour crimes will justify it on religious grounds.
The key factors leading to honour crimes are cultural and community rules, and differences between generations. Often the victim is perceived to be refusing to obey the rules and codes that have been set by their community and family
In that sense, honour crimes and killings are much more about male-dominated societies or communities that try to stop women taking their own decisions. In other words, the killers believe it is culturally acceptable for them to murder to preserve, in their mind, the good name of the family.
‘Honour crimes and killings don’t happen in the United Kingdom, they only happen abroad’
Honour crimes and killings happen all over the world, including in the UK. As the word becomes a smaller place and people migrate around it, all countries are now seeing more instances of honour crimes and killings. In the United Kingdom many murders and serious injuries are as a result of families reacting violently to a son or daughter becoming ‘westernised’ and in their view taking on the trappings of a western culture.
For instance, accusations of dishonour may emerge because someone from an older migrant generation remains utterly tied to the culture or code of their village - and fails to accept their children have been brought up in modern British society with all that goes with that. Crucially, the number of people who believe that violence in the name of honour is justified is very, very small.
‘Honour crimes only affect women’
Most honour crimes are directed at women but men are affected too either directly as their behaviour is perceived to be unacceptable, or because they support a woman who is trying to live her life in her own way and resist pressure from her family and community.
‘Nothing can be done to challenge honour crimes’
Whilst it can be difficult to change cultural norms and beliefs, challenging honour crimes is essential as they are against the law and seriously impact upon and damage the health and well being of the people who are victimised by it. If communities work together they can successfully challenge honour crimes and the cultural norms that support them.
Impact of honour crimes
Victims of honour crime are living in very difficult situations that can impact upon all areas of their life, health and well being. They can experience extreme levels of violence and abuse that may lead to them being killed. They may be isolated from their family and friends, as well as stalked or harassed.
Many victims of honour crime often feel alone, desperate, lonely and trapped and many will self-harm and sometime attempt to take their own life as a result. Some will unfortunately succeed.
Risks
The risks of experiencing honour crimes can lead to serious consequences including death. To lean more about specific risks of violence and abuse please view our risks associated with domestic violemce.
Help Seeking and keeping safe
Agencies in Sefton take all violence and abuse very seriously, particularly any honour crimes. It is important that you don’t suffer in silence and come forward and seek support. The situation will only get worse and you manage it on your own.
Our domestic violence safety plan might be helpful, but the best thing to try and reduce the risks and increase safety is to seek help and support from agencies. Contact the Police Family Crimes Investigation Unit or the Vulnerable Victims Advocates Team.
