Honour Crime

What is an honour crime?

There's no definition of honour-based violence or honour crime, and there is no specific offence. It’s the motivation behind what happens, an assault or intimidating exchange, that makes it an honour crime.

As well as intimidation and assaults these crimes may include domestic abuse, denial of access to children, pressure to go abroad, house arrest or excessive restrictions.

Honour-based violence and abuse occurs across all cultures, communities and religions.

Crimes and offences committed in the name of “honour” are usually committed against young women in response to actual or perceived immoral behaviour which is deemed to have breached an honour code and in doing so has bought shame to a family or community.

Often the rumour of an honour breach is sufficient to start the cycle of abusive behaviour, which often includes domestic violence, pressure to leave the Country, excessive personal restrictions, denial of financial support or access to children and family. In the past this has culminated in the victim’s deliberate murder, sometimes undertaken by another family member. It is estimated that at least 12 honour murders take place in this Country every year.

Just the perception or rumour of immoral behaviour may be sufficient to start the abuse or violence. Such incidents may include inappropriate make-up or dress, an unapproved partner, being gay, rejecting an arranged marriage, pregnancy outside of marriage, seeking a divorce or intimacy in a public place.

The Violent Crime Directorate is a national specialist unit who deal with Honour Crime. They can be contacted on 0207 321 7146.

Stevenage Police take this sort of crime very seriously.
While respecting people’s cultures and religions, they also respect an individual’s right to live without the fear of violence or intimidation.

The Police Domestic Violence initially deal with Honour Crimes. They are based in Hitchin and their telephone numbers are 01438-757661, 757665 or 757668

The Police also have a dedicated Police Hate Crimes Officer who can also help in cases of Honour Crime, the officer can be contacted on 01438 - 757670 weekdays, from 9am to 5am, but you will always be able to leave a message.

If you are the victim of abuse or violence because of a real or perceived breech of honour then please contact any of the numbers and tell someone what is happening.

Remember, if you are in any sort of immediate danger then call ‘999’
 
Reporting an incident is a brave step and the police have specialist officers to help anyone who seeks assistance. Nothing is too trivial and callers will be dealt with sensitivity and in confidence.

It will always be up to you, but help is out there if you want it.

Other Useful numbers and websites

Victim Support - 0845 30 30 900

A helpline and website which gives information and support to victims of crime, whether or not they have reported the crime to the police.
Web: www.victimsupport.org.uk/

Locally we have two excellent organisations that can help put you in contact with other groups who can help you.
Neither of these groups operated dedicated help lines but they will listen to your problem and give you good, straight forward advice.

Hertfordshire Black Minority & Ethnic Partnership - 01707 273567
An e-mail link is available direct from their web site
www.erainbow.org

Stevenage World Forum for Ethnic Communities - 01438 369600
Monday to Friday 9.30am - 5.00 pm

For Muslim women who are lesbians and need assistance, advice or guidance, they can visit the web site of the Safra Project at:-
www.safraproject.org

You can make it stop.

Make the call and get the help.