Today is memorial day for victims of so-called honour killings.



It would have been the 30th birthday of Shafilea Ahmed, who was killed by her parents when she was 17 after suffering years of "honour-based" violence.

UK police forces recorded more than 11,000 cases of "honour" crime between 2010 and 2014.

Honour based violence (HBV) is a violent crime or incident that has occurred to protect or defend the honour of the family and/or community. It’s often committed as a result of family members who mistakenly believe someone has brought shame to their family or community that isn’t in keeping with their traditional beliefs of their culture.

HBV might be committed against people who:

Have a boyfriend/ girlfriend who is from a different culture or religion
Wear inappropriate make-up or dress
Take part in activities that may not be considered traditional within a particular culture
Marital infidelity
Are gay
Are misconstrued as flirting
Refuse to agree to an arranged marriage
Are raped
Common practices carried out in the name of honour include; forced marriages, child marriage, honour killings, female genital mutilation (FGM), domestic abuse, child abuse, vulnerable adult abuse, bride price, dowry abuse, suicide, self-harm, acid attacks, rape, blood feuds and male child preference.

The law and Honour Based Violence, forced Marriages and FGM

Acts carried out in the name of honour such as violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation is illegal in the UK.There is a maximum seven year sentence on indictment for forced marriages, and a maximum sentence of five years for breaching a Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO).

Anybody found guilty of an offence under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 will be liable to a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment or a fine or both.

Get help

If you are a victim of honour based violence, there are lots of organisations that can offer you help and advice.

Merseyside Police - 101

Merseyside Police will investigate all reports of honour based violence, forced marriage and FGM. We have a specialist team of officers who will listen to you and work with you to keep you safe and investigate any criminal actions.

Karma Nirvana

Karma Nirvana have been supporting victims of honour crimes and forced marriages since 1993. They can be contacted on 0800 5999247, lines are open 9.30am – 5pm.

Savera Liverpool - 07716 266 484

Help people experiencing domestic abuse, or who are at risk of forced marriage, honour killing or female genital mutilation.

Forced Marriage Unit - 0207 008 0151

Freedom Charity - 0845 607 0133

Charity for children and young people who are at risk or subject to honour based crimes/ forced marriages.

Childline - 0800 1111

NSPCC - 0808 800500

Liverpool Safeguarding Children Board - 0151 233 0493/ 0510

Sefton Safeguarding Children Board - 0151 934 4706/3366

Wirral Safeguarding Children Board - 0151 606 2000

St Helens Safeguarding Children Board - 01744 673337

Knowlsey Safeguarding Children Board - 0151 443 4311


If you are in immediate danger call 999.