Crackdown on ‘honour’ crime to be launched by government
New measures to target ‘honour-based’ abuse
- The government has announced new measures to combat "honour-based" abuse (HBA), which encompasses crimes such as female genital mutilation and forced marriage, driven by the perception of shame.
- Key initiatives include the introduction of statutory guidance and a legal definition for HBA, alongside a Home Office pilot study to determine the prevalence of the crime.
- Further actions will involve launching a community awareness campaign and providing enhanced training for professionals, including teachers, police officers, social workers, and healthcare staff.
- These changes have been welcomed by specialist organisations and Yasmin Javed, whose daughter Fawziyah died in an HBA-related incident, with the new definition made in her memory.
- Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Minister Jess Phillips stated that the measures aim to improve understanding, ensure victims receive proper support, and bring perpetrators to justice.