Domestic violence issues are not on the forefront but kept on the back burner although domestic violence killings have hit a five year high which new figures show. This is an unacceptable situation, even Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged to reintroduce domestic abuse legislation in the next Queen’s Speech. It is a horrific crime which shatters lives and tears families apart.
Domestic violence and abuse takes different forms such as: behaviour from a family member, partner or ex-partner that: is controlling, coercive, threatening, violent or abusive happens between people aged over 16. It can happen to men or women. It includes the following types of abuse: Psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional and also can include harassment, stalking, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honour-based abuse. It can also include trafficking.
Honour-based abuse is defined as an incident or crime which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and or community. Honour-based abuse happens where a person is punished by their family or community for doing things that are not in keeping with the traditional beliefs of their culture.
Honour-based abuse may include domestic abuse, sexual or psychological abuse, assault, forced marriage or sending someone back to their country of origin. The rising tide of domestic, killings, violence and abuse has to be stopped both through legislation and public awareness campaigns.
Baldev Sharma
Rayners Lane, Harrow
