LEGAL RESEARCH

Legal Research

Legal Research: Exploration of the Incidence Of And Strategies Of Response To 'Crimes Of Honour' Against Women

Background

The context for the initiative was the growing level of attention to the issue of 'crimes of honour' against women, coupled with insufficient information on the varying manifestations of the phenomenon and on the most effective strategies to address them in different parts of the world. Violence against women remains a key factor that undermines the ability of women to participate as full and equal citizens in UK society. The violation of their human rights by acts of rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment, stalking, honour crimes, female genital mutilation, trafficking and forced marriage continue both to circumscribe the lives of women and girls and undermine their participation at every level of society. We recognise that all issues of violence against women are interlinked. We have nevertheless chosen to discuss in turn the different forms of violence against women so that issues in particular areas can be highlighted. We begin by addressing a number of cross-cutting issues: refugee and asylum seeking women; rural women; prevention and awareness raising; training, strategic infrastructure and research.

The project considers 'crimes of honour' to encompass a variety of manifestations of violence against women including: 'honour killings', assault, unlawful confinement and forced marriage. The motivation or publicly articulated justification for committing such crimes is attributed to a social order claimed to require measures of enforcement; such as measures against women (specifically women's sexual conduct -- actual, suspected or potential), for the preservation of honour vested in male, family and/or conjugal control over women. Although international human rights law prohibits these violations, domestic legislation and court practice vary in the level of protection and remedy they offer women, in particular where family or conjugal 'honour' is invoked. On a societal level, informal codes mandating such conduct may be endorsed to varying degrees by some sectors of society and challenged by others. The attitude of religious authorities and the implementation of religious laws may also be critical in forming and changing opinion.

Research Questions

To identify commonalities in incidence, practice and law that might assist activists, lawyers and other professionals in developing strategies to challenge the phenomenon. A list serve will be used to circulate relevant items of news, research and other information to recipients in the activist, academic and other communities, a 'directory' of ongoing work and contacts will be prepared.Research Methodology

Activities in the first phase should indicate areas of work that could usefully be undertaken with and/or in support of local, regional and international initiatives to address 'crimes of honour.' During the second phase, the project will develop its cooperation with organisations and individuals working on these issues in different regions with a view to facilitating research, exchange and networking, and thus furthering the development of strategies of response. The second phase will include holding of an international meeting, to provide a forum for the presentation and sharing of comparative experiences among project ...