"Honour" Crimes

Honour-based crimes are violent crimes or other forms of abuse that are carried out in order to protect the so-called 'honour' of a family or community.

The code of 'honour' to which it refers is set by the male relatives of a family and women who break the rules of the code are punished for bringing shame upon the family. 

The violence and abuse can include, assault, forced marriage, domestic abuse, threats to kill, imprisonment and murder, where the person is being punished by their family or their community. 

Many victims find it very difficult to speak out against this type of crime and can face further violence, threats and isolation from their family and community.