UK: New Measures to Combat Honor Crimes

The UK government has announced new measures to better address and prevent so-called "honor crimes," following numerous incidents that have shocked the public.

The term refers to violence against women and girls by family members, aimed at defending the traditional code of honor. The measures include a new legal definition of "honor crimes," special training for teachers, police officers, social workers, and healthcare professionals, as well as an awareness campaign.

According to the Home Office, the phenomenon is not particularly widespread in the UK, but the government seeks to arrest more perpetrators and better protect victims. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that all means will be used to ensure perpetrators are held accountable and victims are protected.

The Karma Nirvana organization and other aid organizations welcomed the new measures. Recent statistics showed 2,755 "honor crimes" in England and Wales, with a 60% increase in reports in the last two years.

One of the incidents that caused shock was the murder of Fauzia Yazdani Javed, who was murdered by her husband in 2021.

Source: AΠE-MΠE