Legislation allows freedom of opinion and expression under the Human Rights Act 1998. The Law opens the floor to different ways of thinking and different cultures expressing their views/wishes and feelings and to practice their religion.
Upholding these rights plays an important role in the fighting against all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief. It is highly recognised that faith or belief should never invite violence. Therefore, each year, the United Nations commemorated the 22nd August as the International Day of Victims of acts of Violence based on religion or belief.
ABUSE
“Honour-based violence “is a term unfortunately increasingly recognised. Victims disproportionately women often face abuse from not just partners but extended family and community members. In the UK alone, recorded “honour- based” abuse rose by over 60% between 2020 and 2022, incorporating forced marriages, assaults, rape, and coercive behaviour. Due to honour of family and religious beliefs, often leave victims defeated and alone unable to shout for help. Muted.
Victims targeted by broader family networks are often at heightened risk of serious harm or even murder. Collating these risks, many victims in minority communities face additional barriers such as:
- Limited financial independence or visa dependency;
- Language barriers and lack of public funds access;
- Cultural shame or fear of authorities.
SHOUT FOR RECOGNITION
As professionals it is an important reminder that considering someone’s religion or cultural beliefs, should have an impact on the advice given as not considering such can result in lack of understanding and additional barriers for the client. Allowing the client to feel understood in their religion, builds trust and we can only hope that the numbers of Honour Based Violence/ Killings is reduced. The importance of a multi-cultural race in every profession.
As the late article in Time asserted: “Language matters… it must reflect the values we hold dear.” When abuse is rebranded as “honour,” it is considered to be at risk of misinterpretation. Reflection and understanding of language are important when considering how matters can or could be perceived.
By aligning the UN’s commemoration of religious-based violence victims with the lived experiences of those harmed in the name of “honour,” we ensure a broader, more inclusive fight for justice one that acknowledges all victims, defies silence, and reclaims dignity.
This behaviour is not exclusive to Honour attacks but it transpires in all cultures in different ways.
OUR SERVICES
At Cygnet, we not only consider out client’s needs, we acknowledge the importance of adopting our clients’ cultural needs within our representations.
