Honor Killings Research Articles

Judicial Inefficacies and Legal Inconsistencies in Addressing Honour Killings: A Human Rights Analysis of Pakistan's Legal Framework

In Pakistan, honor killings are tied to consequences, such as property disputes and other difficulties that occur after the death of the victim, as well as to shame and cultural practices. The annual growth in the honour killing justification can be traced to the faulty operation of the state's organs. The media manages to report on the crimes despite the fact that tribal councils are frequently more powerful than courts in Pakistan, where the number of recorded cases is exceptionally low because they typically involve the victim's own family. We undertook the research study to enhance awareness of honour crimes and educate the public, as well as to examine the causes of judicial injustice, the corrupt role of law enforcement, and defective legislation. We have also established that Islam condemns honour killing. Data was acquired with a supplementary technique. The issue arose about the judicial interpretation of a contentious plea, flawed legislation, human rights violations, and obligations, both national and international, notwithstanding notable amendments to criminal law post-2004. Tribal councils currently possess the authority to conduct business autonomously, owing to the comprehensive resolution of legislation, judicial interpretation, and police corruption that contributed to these issues. The flawed legislation highlighted the judges' empathy, as demonstrated by established precedents in their interpretation of provocation grounds that offenders exploit to obtain reduced sentences for egregious offences.

Honour Killing in India and role of Khap Panchayats

A horrific example of cultural customs and society standards that put family honour ahead of personal freedom and rights are honour murders. throughout spite of societal disapproval and legal restrictions, these heinous crimes—which are mostly committed against women—recur throughout India. Examining the issue of honour murders in India, this study focuses especially on the important role that traditional caste-based councils known as Khap Panchayats play in rural areas. Honour murders are first contextualised in the study within the larger framework of patriarchal systems and deeply ingrained gender norms that characterise Indian culture. It also emphasises how political and law enforcement officials in the area have allowed honour killing offenders to operate with impunity, therefore highlighting the systemic character of the issue. The report also looks at community-based awareness programmes, grassroots activity, and legislative actions meant to stop honour murders and question Khap Panchayat power. It underlines the need of confronting underlying sociocultural beliefs and enabling underprivileged people—women in particular—to stand up for their rights and oppose repressive policies. This study emphasises how urgently multidimensional approaches—including legislative changes, societal mobilisation, and educational programmes meant to question regressive norms and undermine caste-based oppressive systems—are needed to end honour murders in India. It urges coordinated measures to hold offenders and their supporters responsible and to promote gender equality and human dignity.

New perspectives on fighting violence against women.

Gender-based violence (GBV) and, more specifically, violence against women (VAW) are commonly considered a consequence of a patriarchal structure-a social system granting the senior male absolute authority over the family and the community as a whole. Anthropologists have documented that human male dominance is rooted in evolution, with male violent behavior observed among the great apes. Given that evolution is a continuous process, human progress over millennia has modified pre-existing behavior, demonstrating that humans can move beyond ancestral ways of life over time. Precisely because of the imperative to change and improve, at the global international level as well as in individual countries, strong movements are in action to eliminate GBV/VAW. FIGO has been and continues to be at the forefront of the battle for equality, with initiatives that cover many aspects of this, including the imperative to involve men, who-in the majority of cases-are the perpetrators. Since men are often the root of the problem, they must also be at the forefront of the battle to eradicate it. GBV/VAW comprises many facets, including selective female abortion, infanticide, femicide, honor killing, female genital mutilation, and child marriage. These deeply rooted forms of violence continue to perpetuate gender inequalities, remain major obstacles to health and societal progress, and violate the most basic human rights.

Are self-conscious emotions about the self? Testing competing theories of shame and guilt across two disparate cultures.

The emotions of guilt and shame play major roles in forgiveness, social exclusion, face-saving ploys, suicide, and honor killings. Understanding these emotions is thus of vital importance. The outputs of guilt and shame are already well understood: Guilt motivates amends; shame motivates evasion. However, the elicitors and functions of these emotions are disputed. According to attributional theory, guilt and shame are intrapersonal emotions elicited when negative outcomes are attributed to controllable/unstable (guilt) or uncontrollable/stable (shame) aspects of the self. By contrast, functionalist theory claims that guilt and shame are interpersonal emotions for minimizing the imposition of harm on valued others (guilt) and the cost of reputational damage on the self (shame). Although there is confirmatory evidence consistent with both theories, evidence ostensibly supporting one theory has been argued to actually support the other. To solve this problem of data interpretation, here we report contrastive critical tests of the two theories performed on online participant pools in the United States and India in 2021 (N = 853). Results in both countries support functionalist theory over attributional theory, suggesting that the intrapersonal effects reported in the emotion literature are tributary or incidental to the interpersonal functions of guilt and shame. Functionalist theory presents a promising framework for understanding the interpersonal and intrapersonal aspects of guilt, shame, and other self-conscious emotions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Honor Killings in Traditional Societies: Revisiting the Case of Türkiye After Istanbul Convention Withdrawal

This research delves into the complex dynamics of honor and honor killings in traditional societies, with a specific focus on Türkiye, which has a Muslim-majority population and secular-democratic politico-legal system. It sheds light on the cultural and societal frameworks that reinforce honor, particularly in the context of gender relations and familial reputation. Using a qualitative methodology, the study analyzes the case of Türkiye, with a significant emphasis on the controversial withdrawal from the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, also known as the Istanbul Convention. Examining discussions in the parliament, legal documents, and secondary sources, such as research reports, supports the case study. The findings reveal a complicated interplay between traditional perceptions of honor, legal inadequacies, and societal attitudes that perpetuate violence against women. The study argues that while legislative reforms have been implemented, cultural and societal norms continue to pose significant challenges to their effectiveness. The conclusion underscores the urgent need for a multifaceted approach, incorporating legal, educational, and societal strategies to dismantle the cultural norms that condone honor-related violence. This article contributes to the discourse on gender-based violence, advocating for a comprehensive understanding and action to address honor killings in Türkiye and beyond.

Moral Policing of Gender Norms: Honor-Based Violence as a Mobilizing Factor Towards Militant Islamism

Honor culture, in which the virtue of the family—if not community—depends on the “purity” of its female members, enforced through “moral policing” of gender norms to collectively control women’s sexuality and uphold a patriarchal gender order, is a central aspect of both honor-based violence and the Salafi-jihadist culture in militant Islamist milieus. Drawing on interviews with 1) an imprisoned Danish woman convicted of ISIS-related terrorism, 2) a mother of a deceased Swedish ISIS foreign fighter, who herself was previously part of the Salafi-jihadist milieu, and 3) “professionals” (e.g. police officers, social workers and municipal employees) conducted during ethnographic fieldwork in Sweden and prison ethnography in Denmark, this article explores how honor-based violence can constitute a mobilizing factor for Western Muslims towards militant Islamism in three distinct ways. First, isolation of Muslim women and children through gender segregation and restrictions on accessing public space to “moral police” gender norms enables the Salafi-jihadist milieu to cement and extend its ideological, religious, and physical control. Second, in an honor culture with intense pressure on men to defend and restore family honor whenever it is challenged, joining ISIS can be perceived as a means to fulfill this obligation, thereby affirming “real” Muslim masculinity and upholding a patriarchal gender order. The deeply ingrained cultural expectations to defend honor can even be exploited by militant Islamist milieus in their recruitment efforts. Third, besides providing a “safe space” where one cannot be persecuted and punished for dishonoring one’s family by leaving it as an unmarried woman, ISIS’s multiethnic diversity and embrace of interethnic marriage can be appealing for someone who wants to escape forced endogamous marriage. Given that honor-based violence strikes at the individual freedoms and rights, thereby undermining liberal democratic values and the rule of law, our article contributes knowledge on the broader threat to democracy from anti-democratic forces in the context of militant Islamism.

The Problem of Honor Violence against Women: An Analysis of the Attitudes of Univer-sity Students toward Honor and Violence Committed against Women to Protect Honor

Kadına Yönelik Namus Şiddeti Sorunu: Üniversite Öğrencilerinin Namus ve Namus Adına Kadına Uygulanan Şiddete İlişkin Tutumlarının Bir Analizi ÖZ Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı üniversite öğrencilerinin namusa ve namus adına kadına uygulanan şiddete ilişkin tutumlarını incelemektir. Gereç ve Yöntem: Kesitsel nitelikteki bu çalışma, Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi'nde gerçekleştirildi. Araştırmanın evrenini 2021-2022 eğitim-öğretim yılı bahar döneminde Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Hemşirelik Bölümünde öğrenim gören öğrenciler oluşturmuştur (N=700). Örneklemi ise evreni bilinen örnekleme yöntemi ile %95 güven aralığı ve %5 hata payında 249 öğrenci (n=249) olarak hesaplanmıştır. Çalışma 317 öğrenci ile tamamlanmıştır. Bulgular: Öğrencilerin namusa ilişkin tutum ölçeği ve namus adına kadına uygulanan şiddete ilişkin tutum ölçeğinden aldıkları puan ortalamalarının sırasıyla 45.26±6.68 ve 43.48±5.69 olduğu ve öğrencilerin namusa ve namus adına kadına uygulanan şiddete yönelik orta düzeyde olumlu tutuma sahip olduğu belirlenmiştir. Cinsiyet, medeni durum ve aile tipi değişkenleri ile ölçek puan ortalamaları arasında anlamlı ilişki bulunmuştur. Sonuç: Sonuç olarak hemşirelik öğrencilerinin cinsiyet, kadına yönelik şiddet ve namus algılarında sistematik bir davranış değişikliğine ihtiyaç olduğu düşünülmektedir. Anahtar Kelimeler: Namus, Şiddet, Kadın, Hemşirelik, Öğrenciler

Honour Killing in Erbil City; Social Factors

Honour killing is one of oldest crimes has been carried out in human’s history, mostly by men, especially in the Middle East culture. It is important for social science researchers to find out the factors behind this horrified crime, also to what extent men see their honour and dignity in women’s gender. In Kurdish society, Honour killing is social phenomenon as it has been increased in past decade. The main question in this research is; to what extent social factors effected on increasing HK in Kurdistan/ Erbil City? Has Honour Killing become social phenomenon in Kurdish society? This research focuses on social factors like religion, culture, family reputation and status effecting on Honour Crimes in Kurdistan. The importance of this research is, It seems like every day we hear about HK and how many innocent women/men have been murdered for no reason. This topic is related to Kurdish structure and social system of Kurdistan. In spite of KRG's new law and progress in developing Kurdistan and people's awareness, the HK rate is increasing. Overall, all interviewers believed that culture is main cause and reason for HK.

Balcony of Disgrace: The Intersection of Patriarchy and Honor in Arab Societies

The paper explores the complex issue of patriarchal principles that shape the socialization of men in Arab societies, where the criterion for masculinity is deeply rooted in adherence to cultural norms. Through the lens of Nasrallah’s novel Balcony of Disgrace (2010), the study analyzes the impact of the societal concept of honor on male identity and the difficult choices faced by men in such societies. The novel highlights the oppressive nature of patriarchal societies, which link male honor with female sexuality and legitimize the murder of women to preserve man’s image. The paper argues that patriarchal oppression not only extends to women but also to men who face public criticism for not conforming to patriarchal norms. The study aims to fill the gap in the existing literature on honor killings by highlighting the crises of both male and female identities. Overall, this paper provides a critical analysis of the impact of patriarchal norms on male identity and the societal consequences of gender-based violence in Arab societies.

Honour Killings in Pakistan: Legal Perspectives and Reforms

This investigation delves into the pervasive issue of honour killings in Pakistan, examining its legal intricacies and proposing comprehensive reforms. Despite existing legal provisions within the Pakistan Penal Code, the implementation faces substantial challenges, including legal loopholes, societal pressures, and inadequate protection measures. Proposed reforms include enhancing legal clarity, fostering societal awareness through educational initiatives, implementing witness protection programs, expediting judicial processes, fostering collaboration with NGOs, and establishing counselling and support services. The proposed reforms collectively aim to create a nuanced and holistic strategy to combat honour-based violence. By addressing legal shortcomings, challenging ingrained cultural norms, ensuring protection, fostering collaboration, and providing compassionate support services, these measures strive to reshape Pakistan's societal landscape. The success of these reforms relies on the commitment of legal authorities, civil society, and the broader community to foster lasting change, ultimately creating a society where justice, equality, and human rights triumph over the tragic legacy of honour-based violence.

HONOUR KILLING AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN PAKISTAN

This article examines the factors that contribute to gender inequality and violence against women in Punjab, Pakistan. It focuses on District Gujranwala and examines patriarchal power structures, cultural norms, and restrictive gender roles. The article analyzes court decisions in District Gujranwala from 2012 to 2023, which show a high number of acquittals, mostly because of retracted eyewitness testimony. We argue that despite statutory reforms, there exists an over-reliance on visual evidence that undermines justice. We suggest that a comprehensive policy is needed that challenges cultural norms, advances gender equality, fortifies legal frameworks, and reforms investigation and prosecution techniques to effectively prevent honour killings and increase conviction rates.

(084) Frequency of Bleeding at First Vaginal Intercourse and Stereotypes Surrounding it: A Pilot Survey of 6370 Russian-Speaking Women

Abstract Introduction Despite the fact not all women experience bleeding at first vaginal intercourse (BFVI), in some cultures failure to prove virginity on the wedding night (sheets/garments covered with blood) may have serious consequences for a woman (bullying, domestic violence, shame and even honor killings). Low awareness of the true frequency of BFVI and of individual variation of the anatomy of the hymen may lead to inaccurate conclusions in cases of sexual assault or “virginity testing” (VT) at schools and/or in clinical settings, which can have a drastic impact on the mental health of young women. In cultures where defloration is sacralized, young women tend to choose anal sex instead of vaginal, which bears further risks including higher hazard of HIV; women also tend to seek hymenoplasty often performed in secrecy (in many cases it cannot guarantee bleeding at following intercourse, as intended). Objective To evaluate the frequency of stereotypes surrounding BFVI among Russian-speaking women Methods An anonymous survey was completed by 6370 Russian-speaking women across different countries who have had at least one vaginal intercourse. We aimed to reach women from varying religious, socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. The survey included questions on whether women experienced BFVI and if not, whether it had any negative consequences; and list of questions regarding their feelings about virginity, hymen reconstruction and sex in general. The questionnaire was distributed by the authors and biomedical bloggers, via social media (Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram). Preliminary results are presented. Results Median age was 31 (15–70); 59% were married; 73.6% reported being raised in secular families. 21.2% - in religious families, and 2.1% - in strictly religious. 43,2% respondents denied having any BFVI; 42,3% confirmed BFVI; while 5,3% reported bleeding on following sexual encounters but not on first intercourse. A minority (3,6%) did not remember whether any bleeding was present. Among those who didn’t have BFVI, 75 (2,2%) reported long-lasting conflicts with partners, 166 (5%) reported withdrawal of their partners, 115 (3,5%)– mistrust, 88 (2,7%)– constant blaming, 37 (1,1 %) – emotional abuse, 2 (0,1%) – physical violence. Two hundred twenty-three (3.5%) women experienced VT at school, 76 (1.2%) referred themselves for VT, and 25 (0.4%) did so at the demand of their own family. Conclusions Traditions demonstrating BFVI associate with negative emotions and affect marital relationships as well as sexual health of women. Medical professionals should be aware of the frequency of BFVI; anatomy and gynecology books should reflect corresponding scientific findings. Myths about virginity should be addressed via media and opinion leaders to prevent gender based violence. Disclosure No.

Inter-Caste Marriage and Caste Prejudice: A Study of Perumal Murugan’s Novel ‘Pyre’

The 21st century is an era of science and advancement. Due to this advancement, there is an evident threat of climate change, global warming, health issues and biological warfare. In this scenario, our lives are changing rapidly. But one thing that has not changed yet is the caste-system. People are still embedded in caste. The notion of purity and practice of endogamy have contributed in the establishment of the caste system. Endogamy is a founding element of the caste system. It is because of this that caste has become an unaltered force of Indian society. The consequences of inter-caste marriage are often horrible. Couples are rarely accepted by the family and society. Excommunication, torture, honor killing and murder are the consequences of inter-caste marriage. Inter- caste marriage is a great contribution in the eradication of the caste system. Inter-caste marriages not only cast the caste but also bring social harmony and feeling of interdependence among people belonging to different caste. But unfortunately, inter-caste marriages are unaccepted and considered offensive. The present novel ‘Pyre’ illustrates the ethos that leads a community to give their judgment against inter-caste marriage.

Complexities facing social work: Honor-based violence as lived reality and stereotype

Summary It is widely accepted that honor-based violence is a lived reality and a serious problem. However, honor-based violence is also a contested academic and political field, characterized by a polarized debate about whether or not the violence comprises stereotyping images of immigrants. This article asks how honor-based violence can be understood in light of this polarization, and what consequences it may have for clients and social workers. It is based on interview data with 235 adults with either professional ( n = 199) or personal experiences ( n = 36) of honor-based violence in Sweden. The data has been thematically coded and analyzed using the concepts of culturalization and intersectionality. Findings Honor-based violence is simultaneously a lived reality and teeming with stereotypes that are constructed by culturalizing images of nation, gender, age, religion, and sexuality. These stereotypes constitute forms of violence themselves and decrease clients’ trust in society and its institutions. Hence, the stereotypes become obstacles to social workers’ capacity to support those exposed to violence. At a general level, the stereotypes contribute to retaining the exposed in violence. In contrast, intersectional approaches to understanding honor-based violence have the potential to capture clients’ self-perceived and complex formulations of the causes of, and the character of, their situation, and thus increase the possibilities for adequate support. Applications The article's findings can support social workers’ understanding of the complexity of honor-based violence and strengthen their possibilities and capacities to develop antiracist and nonviolent communicative practices and, thus, acknowledge clients’ varying experiences and individual needs.

Assessing The Issues of Honour and Violence Against Women: A Human Rights Discourse Framework for The Detection of Violence Against Women

The term 'Honour Killing' is conventionally used to denote a specific category of extralegal killings where the act of murder is seen to have been motivated by pre-modern affiliations/sentiments of some sort. Acts of violence committed against people for marrying outside of caste/religion/ethnicity or other similar infringements where they are seen by their actions to have besmirched the honour of the family and the larger community come under the broad rubric of honour crime. Implicit in using the term are assumptions that mark it as different from other crimes. Honour is defined in terms of women assigned sexual and familial roles as dictated by traditional family ideology. Thus, adultery, premarital relationships (which may or may not include sexual relations), rape, and falling in love with an "inappropriate" person may constitute violations of family honour. 'Crimes of honour' as a form of violence against women does not imply that men also are not subjected to such crimes. In cases of forced marriage or interference with the right of choice and whom to marry, pressure from older family members over younger members will apply to men as well as to women. However, women remain the victims and survivors of 'crimes of honour' and have fewer available remedies.

Role of Social Norms and Culture in Gender Violence

Gender violence is a complex issue deeply woven into the fabric of many societies. Norms and culture play a significant role in perpetuating and justifying this violence by shaping societal expectations, gender roles, and power dynamics. Rigid gender norms can create a climate where men are expected to be dominant and aggressive, while women are expected to be submissive and passive. This creates an uneven playing field where violence against women is often seen as acceptable, even expected, behavior. Cultural beliefs and traditions can further reinforce these norms, for example, through practices like child marriage, female genital mutilation, or honor killings. These harmful practices not only directly violate women’s rights and safety but also normalize the idea of male control and female subordination, creating a breeding ground for further violence. Understanding the intricate interplay between norms, culture, and gender violence is crucial for dismantling these harmful structures and building a society where all individuals can live free from fear and discrimination. Gender norms are the cultural messages we all get about the way men and women are “supposed” to be. Tropes like boys will be boys. Take it like a man. A woman’s place. Act like a lady. Sometimes these messages are indirect, implied, or invisible; others, direct, specific, and overt. These norms affect us all consciously or otherwise. Therefore is study focused on analyzing the prevalence of gender violence and also to find out the role of social norms and culture in abetting gender violence? Objectives of the study To find out the role of social norms in abetting gender violence. To find out the views of women on already established social norms.

Unabated Serge of Honor Killing: Legal Perspective of Superior Courts in Pakistan

Unabated Serge of Honor Killing: Legal Perspective of Superior Courts in Pakistan

Atypical Postmortem "Incaprettamento" After an Honor Homicide.

Honor killing is a murder carried out to protect the family's reputation by actions that are perceived as shameful. Usually, honor killing occurs to preserve family's honor, which has been violated by adulteries, premarital pregnancies, or inappropriate relationships. In Southern Italy, the culture of honor is quite strong especially among the local criminal organizations. Honor crimes by Italian Mafia are intended to have an admonitory significance, and they can be carried out following a macabre ritual of "incaprettamento." The aim is to humiliate the victim treating him like an animal, a bonded young goat where the victim is secured by a rope passing behind the back from the upper to lower extremities. In this case study, the honor homicide was perpetrated against the lover of a butcher's wife by sharp weapon, followed by a postmortem atypical incaprettamento of the corpse. The wrists and ankles were tied together by ropes, and the extremities were fixed to the abdomen with a string. The body was also wrapped in a plastic tape after penile amputation. According to killer's confession, the mutilation and the incaprettamento were expressions of revenge and contempt for the victim to restore the honor lost.

Sociological Impact of Honour Killings in India

Honour Killings as a social vice has been ingrained within the Indian society since the time immemorial and has existed ever since in form of “entrenched flaw” tarnishing the very social fabric. The aim of this paper is to provide with a comprehensive sociological analysis of Honor Killings and various factors acting as a catalyst to this phenomenon. Further, the paper also focuses on the probable challenges which are faced by law enforcement agencies in detection of “plausible perpetrators” of these crimes. Most importantly, the ultimate motive of the paper is to analyze the factors which drive the mindset and behaviour of the offenders using the theories of criminology and sociology examining the role different kinds of institutions in addressing the perpetrators of honor killings. The paper also explores into a rather debatable question is there is a need for a special laws in the paradigm of legal system in order to provide curbing mechanism for Honor Killings or whether the current laws under the sections 300 and 302 of IPC suffice for curbing this vice. The paper also sheds light on the roots of the problem and provides some insights to aid in prevention strategies.

How should we then live? A missiological reading of Genesis 34: A redemptive historical approach

The narrative of Dinah’s rape in Genesis 34 has attracted the attention of Jews and Christians throughout the ages and has been the source of many scholarly papers all around the world. What have the readers in the different communities of faith over the ages heard in this shameful story? This article wanted to convey what this researcher has heard. An attempt has been made to read Genesis 34 in a missiological way in the redemptive historical context of Genesis 12–36. This article wants to demonstrate that the communicative intention of the author of Genesis 34 was to teach his readers how they, as descendants of Abraham, should live in the promised land in order to accomplish the task God had charged them with: To be a blessing to the nations (Gn 12:3). Hence, in Genesis 34, the author reminded his readers how their ancestors failed in this divine mandate and that they should not be followed: Dinah’s brothers murdered the rapist of their sister and turned it into a curse to the nation of the Hivites. Their negative behaviour should open the eyes for what God positively wanted from his people throughout the ages. This reading formed the basis for a missiological understanding of the significance of this narrative in the Christian community of faith. The missiological significance of Genesis 34 has been discussed from three angles: The importance of worship for missions; the integrity of the missionary praxis; and the in-between time in which missions take place.Contribution: This research wants to answer the question why the author of Genesis 34 included in his composition this shameful episode in the patriarchal history narrating the rape of Leah’s daughter, Dinah, and the consequent criminal honour killings by her brothers. The purpose of this investigation is to show the missiological significance of this narrative for the present Christian community of faith for whom the Bible is the authoritative Word of God.